Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2011 Ford Escape 4WD L4-2.5LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Trunk / Liftgate: Service and Repair
Liftgate
Removal and Installation
1. Remove the LH and RH D-pillar trim panels. For additional information, refer to Interior Trim and Ornamentation D-Pillar Trim Panel.
2. Remove the safety seat tether anchors.
3. Remove the 3 headliner pin-type retainers and lower the headliner to access the liftgate electrical connectors and the rear washer union.
4. Disconnect the liftgate wiring harness electrical connector located under the left rear of the headliner.
5. Release the wiring harness locator and position the harness outside of the vehicle.
6. NOTICE: Plug washer hose after disconnecting. Failure to do so will result in damage to headliner due to fluid leakage.
Disconnect the rear washer hose union located under the left rear of the headliner.
7. Release the rear washer hose grommet and position outside of the vehicle.
8. NOTICE: Support the liftgate before removing the liftgate struts. Failure to follow this direction may result in damage to the components.
Remove the 2 liftgate struts from the liftgate.
- Remove the 2 spring retainers.
9. NOTICE: To minimize the possibility of the cross threading, hand-start all fasteners during the installation.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the liftgate, this step requires an assistant.
With a wax pencil, mark the position of each hinge and remove the 4 liftgate hinge-to-liftgate bolts.
- To install, tighten to 15 Nm (133 lb-in).
10. Remove the liftgate.
11. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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