Tailgate closure--HELP!! - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

whereishe · 05-21-2009, 08:07 AM

Hi! Am I going crazy? Have the smart cab. Closed the bottom part of the tailgate first, then the top. That's how to do it, right? You can't close the top before the bottom. Well, I swear there's a small gap btwn them now. If it rains, that's going to get in there! Not good, esp since the engine's back there. Any advice? What am I doing wrong? I pushed down the top part very hard, why the gap? Thanks!

misscatears · 05-21-2009, 08:10 AM

Did you make sure to push each side, left and right, of the bottom part closed completely? My friends never close it all the way and then there is a gap.

I get a separate click for each side.

**JPaul** · 05-21-2009, 08:36 AM

Check pages 89-90 of the Owner's Manual.
Note:

Quote:

! When closing the tailgate, you must first
close the rear soft top ( page 90). Otherwise
you might break the release levers of the rear
soft top.

kmc4fb · 05-21-2009, 08:36 AM

I actually close the top first on my cab. misscatears is right, you must be very firm when clicking the top closed. Its easier to check if the bottom is open.

sato7 · 05-21-2009, 08:42 AM

what about the tail gate compartment lid? is it closed properly? that could impede the lowed tail gate from closing... giving you the gap your are talking about when you try to shut the glass.... opps Cabrio.. um soft top!

Big Panda · 05-21-2009, 10:45 AM

On the cabriolets, you can open and close the tailgate without opening the top. Wish I could do that on my Passion Coupe.....

Padawan · 05-21-2009, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadfael

Hi! Am I going crazy? Have the smart cab. Closed the bottom part of the tailgate first, then the top. That's how to do it, right? You can't close the top before the bottom.

You have it reversed. The top fabric portion must be closed first, the you close the bottom tailgate. Hopefully you haven't broken anything trying to force it the opposite way.

John_H · 05-21-2009, 12:48 PM

So there you have it: you've been told to lower the soft part first, then close the tailgate.

Consider: how do you open it? You first drop the tailgate then you use the side clips to release the soft top. It goes back together in reverse order. When you take your shoes off shoes first socks second, you don't put them back on shoes first, socks second.

whereishe · 05-22-2009, 12:26 PM

Thanks to you ALL for your help!

smartHHO · 05-22-2009, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadfael

Hi! Am I going crazy? Have the smart cab. Closed the bottom part of the tailgate first, then the top. That's how to do it, right? You can't close the top before the bottom. Well, I swear there's a small gap btwn them now. If it rains, that's going to get in there! Not good, esp since the engine's back there. Any advice? What am I doing wrong? I pushed down the top part very hard, why the gap? Thanks!

Ok,

I have a Cabrio and have been doing like I was told. Open bottom first, then the top. Slam top shut first then the bottom. So NEVER close bottom first. For some reason it does not seal right and most likely can missalign it. If it does not work with top first then bottom. Take it to dealer and have them realign it.