Uneven upper tailgate

[jwight]

So what exactly is being done on the PDI if something like this can be turned over to a customer?

[JPaul]

Originally Posted by jwight

So what exactly is being done on the PDI if something like this can be turned over to a customer?

Allow me to go one step further: is there a standard (smart approved) PDI checklist?

It could be a good idea to start a list of any checklist's missing items that new owners have experienced. To help deliveries of course, not show contempt towards Dealers!

I've noticed such things as:
- low battery (due to long storage at port)
- inadequate tire pressure
- misaligned headlights
- tailgate gap (this thread)
- disconnected horn (only one instance, so far)

[jwight]

JPaul, already started in the delivery subforum:

Pre-delivery checklist

I'll add this one also.

[JPaul]

Originally Posted by jwight

JPaul, already started in the delivery subforum:

Pre-delivery checklist

I'll add this one also.

Obviously, I have to clean my side of the street. Duh! Thanks!

[EdwardDennis]

Check the glass alignment, too.

My car had the same spoiler misalignment issue. I was going to adjust it myself, but I also noticed that the hatch glass was misaligned. (The glass was lower on the left side, and actually rubbed against the top of the tailgate when closed.)

The dealer removed the spoiler, shimmed and adjusted the glass, and then re-attached the spoiler. Fits fine now...

[tivoboy]

There might be something like that with mine. When we picked it up, the car had been previously wet and water was continuing to drip out from around the window pane.

[EdwardDennis]

Originally Posted by tivoboy

There might be something like that with mine. When we picked it up, the car had been previously wet and water was continuing to drip out from around the window pane.

You can easily tell if the window glass is not properly aligned by checking the gaps in the closed position. Look at the glass bottom (where it meets the top of tailgate) and both sides. The gaps should be fairly consistent in width. Also check the top of the tailgate and look for a dark line**particularly near the corners** which indicate the glass might be rubbing the tailgate as the car flexes while driving. Mine was way too low on the left side and the rub mark was readily apparent. The glass had to be adjusted upward, and to the right, to be properly centered.

[mmmeat]

Originally Posted by smartyPantz

That definitely looks crooked** like it was damaged on the driver's side and pushed down...

Geez.

I've seen this on a number of Smarts when they were taken off the truck at the dealership. It's not damage, it's assembly. It should certainly be checked at the dealership and fixed ... but to automatically assume damage ..? C'mon!

Your pal,
Meat.

[bradgarbus]

I would guess this is a result of robotic assembly. Someone needs to make an adjustment to this bot. Anyone speak French and have the number to the assembly plant? (good luck)

[jwight]

Has anyone tried adjusting the alignment on their own? I can see the nuts that need to be loosened to shift the window, but there's not much room to get a wrench in there.