good things to look for when I pick the car up on Saturday. I guess with the cabrio, I won't have to worry about this upper hatch misalignment. (I'll just have to worry about the cabrio's top closure instead!)
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)
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!
So if my car arrives with the uneven upper tailgate problem, what should I do? Leave it as is (assuming everything functions well with no rubbing), or have it adjusted? I wouldn't want to create another problem by having it adjusted. Or have damage done during a fix. Thoughts?
Just how common is this, and how many have had it fixed?
I tried adjusting the tail gate spoiler, but the bolt holes are not slotted, so unless I remove the spoiler completely and slot out the mounting holes, I won't be able to align the spoiler with the roof.
However, after playing with the alignment of the spoiler, it is not too bad now. Still, I might remove the spoiler to enlarge the holes.
So if my car arrives with the uneven upper tailgate problem, what should I do? Leave it as is (assuming everything functions well with no rubbing), or have it adjusted? I wouldn't want to create another problem by having it adjusted. Or have damage done during a fix. Thoughts?
Just how common is this, and how many have had it fixed?
I toyed with the idea of doing the adjustment myself, but opted to take it to the dealer. Made an appointment and the tech completed the spoiler and glass re-alignment in about 20 minutes, or so. A pain-free dealer visit...
Thanks for your input. Anyone else have any advice?
I realized I had the same issue after reading this post. It is a very simple fix, requiring only an 8mm wrench (incorrect tool, but it fits fine) to loosen the two bolts in the bracket going into the glass mount. With the gate open, loosen, slide the glass toward the front of the car and snug the bolts. Close and compare the gap across the bottom. Rinse and repeat. When everything is even, tighten the bolts snugly without wringing them off.
As for the "spoiler", I adjusted mine at the same time. The holes in mine seemed to be slotted, at least enough to get everything to line up correctly.
Just have a little patience and don't assume a single "loosen, move, tighten" sequence will put everything in the proper alignment.
I realized I had the same issue after reading this post. It is a very simple fix, requiring only an 8mm wrench (incorrect tool, but it fits fine) to loosen the two bolts in the bracket going into the glass mount. With the gate open, loosen, slide the glass toward the front of the car and snug the bolts. Close and compare the gap across the bottom. Rinse and repeat. When everything is even, tighten the bolts snugly without wringing them off.
As for the "spoiler", I adjusted mine at the same time. The holes in mine seemed to be slotted, at least enough to get everything to line up correctly.
Just have a little patience and don't assume a single "loosen, move, tighten" sequence will put everything in the proper alignment.
I've found and done the same thing as you...the hinges ARE slotted allowing adjustments to made easily.
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