Tailgate swing mode inop 08-011

[HondaTech]

Honda posted a service bulletin today about the tailgate not opening in swing mode. Due to my own concerns about copyright, I won't post the actual bulletin... but here is a summary:


Applies To: 2007 Ridgeline – ALL
2008 Ridgeline – From VIN 2HJYK16..8H500001 thru 2HJYK16..8H513556
Lower Tailgate Handle Feels Spongy or the Tailgate Won’t Open
SYMPTOM
The lower tailgate handle feels spongy, making it
difficult to open the tailgate in the swing mode.
PROBABLE CAUSE
The tailgate latch and synchronizer might not be
properly adjusted, or the hinge rods might be out of
specification.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the right tailgate hinge, and, if necessary,
replace the synchronizer.
PARTS INFORMATION
Right Tailgate Hinge:
P/N 68732-SJC-A00, H/C 8000069
Tailgate Trim Clip (12 required):
P/N 91513-SJC-A01, H/C 7943103
Synchronizer:
P/N 74870-SJC-A02, H/C 7992654



This is a normal warranty concern, not a recall. It is good to know this issue has finally been resolved.




HT

[Beaullieu]

Hooray!

My 07 RTX had this issue within days of delivery last April. It took three trips to the dealer for them to replace the same parts that are now on the TSB but I've not had any problems since.

Hopefully, others experiencing this issue will get the problem resolved promptly....

[Chuck]

I have had this problem intermittantly with my tailgate. Am I going to have to wait for the problem to return before the dealer will fix it? Usually when this occurs, it takes a couple extra "firm" squeezes on the handle, then it will release. After this happens, it functions properly for a month or so before it does it again.

[CrackMonkE]

Originally Posted by Chuck

I have had this problem intermittantly with my tailgate. Am I going to have to wait for the problem to return before the dealer will fix it? Usually when this occurs, it takes a couple extra "firm" squeezes on the handle, then it will release. After this happens, it functions properly for a month or so before it does it again.

Same symptoms for me Chuck, I don't want to be 'that guy' and was wondering the same thing... Should I wait for it to be totally inoperable before going to the dealer?

[wrenrj1]

Looking at my service receipt on this, the RH lower hinge was replaced as well as the latch assembly on my 07 RTX. Glad to see it was fixed correctly.

[DesertRidgeline]

My 07 has had this since day one and I just figured it was a poor design choice, it's nice to know that it's actually a problem and I'll ask them to take care of it when I go in next tuesday for some other problems that have cropped up. More times than not when trying to open the tailgate in the swing mode it's very hard to squeeze the handle because it's so mushy.

Im happy that I won't have to live with this since opening it in swing mode is my primary way of opening it.

Oh and for me it happens everytime I try to open the tailgate in the swing position. Sometimes takes a couple squeezes of the handle.

[RRIDER]

I have not had this problem. But why does it not mention the 2006's? Did they change things in the 2007's?

[shovelhd]

The 2006's had a latch alignment problem that also had a TSB.

[gchalk]

I thought it was just the design. I was going up to my dealer yesterday to have them change the VTM-4 fluid and after seeing this post, asked the question. They ordered the parts, no questions, problems...now I just have to find the 2 hours they want to change out the parts.

Thanks for the info!!

Geoff

[utvnut]

Too bad for me. I have this "sticky" feel when opening, it opens but not like when it was new so I took it to the dealer today. He says "no problem found, door operates normally."
They also found nothing wrong with my "clunking" front strut, but ordered a new temperature selector for the air conditioning. 14 days left on the warranty!