Tailgate Step Adjustment

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2021 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

For information on Ford Color Coded Illustrations refer to OEM COLOR CODING .

Adjustment

NOTE: This procedure adjusts the tailgate step and the tailgate latch striker. If the tail gate step operates properly, but the release or latch is in question, proceed to the Latch Striker Adjustment below.

NOTE: TAILGATE STEP ADJUSTMENT

Lower the tailgate.

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Push the tailgate step release button.

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Open the tailgate step approximately 8 in (203 mm) to 10 in (254 mm) from the closed position.

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Loosen the tailgate step bracket bolts.

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Loosen the tailgate step leg bolts.

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Cycle the tailgate step fully open and closed several time in its horizontal position without dropping the step to its final position ensuring the tailgate step fully latches in the closed position for each cycle. Finger tighten all fasteners before final tightening.
NOTE: The tailgate step assembly brackets should be held tightly against the tailgate face as the leg fasteners are tightened.

With the step approximately 2 in (51 mm) to 4 in (102 mm) from the closed state, tighten the tailgate step leg bolts in the following sequence:
1. Torque
  : 17 lb.ft (23 Nm)
2. Torque
  : 17 lb.ft (23 Nm)
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NOTE: When installing both tailgate step brackets, ensure the bracket is horizontal in orientation. Brackets angled up or downward may result in binding conditions.

Deploy the tailgate step approximately 8 in (203 mm) (enough to allow for tool clearance) as a fully deployed step can result in a binding condition. Tighten the tailgate step bracket bolts in the following sequence:
1. Torque
  : 17 lb.ft (23 Nm)
2. Torque
  : 17 lb.ft (23 Nm)
3. Torque
  : 17 lb.ft (23 Nm)
4. Torque
  : 17 lb.ft (23 Nm)
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Cycle the tailgate step fully open and closed several times, ensuring the tailgate step fully latches in the closed position each cycle. If the tailgate step is still binding, repeat 2-8.

Adjustment

NOTE: LATCH STRIKER ADJUSTMENT

Lower the tailgate.

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Push the tailgate step release button.

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Open the tailgate step.

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Using a 12 inch straight edge, check the striker horizontal alignment.
1. Place the straight edge along the edge of the striker.
2. Measure and record the distance at both ends of the straight edge to a horizontal edge of the tailgate.
3. Subtract the LH measurement from the RH measurement and record the difference.
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Visually inspect the position of the striker alignment tab in relation to the opening in the body. The striker should set near the center of the body opening.

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If the striker position is OK, no adjustment is needed. If the horizontal measurement recorded is greater than 10 mm (0.39 in) or the striker is not properly centered in the body opening, adjust the striker.
For access to adjust the striker, remove the tailgate release handle. Refer to: Tailgate Release Handle .
Adjust the tailgate striker the tailgate striker nut and adjust as necessary.
1. Loosen the tailgate striker nut.
2. Adjust the tailgate striker as necessary.
3. Tighten the tailgate striker nut.
  Torque
  
  : 16 lb.ft (22 Nm)
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Test the system for normal operation.