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TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
Excessive Panel Gap Between Rear Bumper Cover And Rear Quarter
Panels - Built On Or Before 26-Feb-2018

18-2107
29 March
2018

Model:
Ford
2015-2018 Mustang
Issue: Some 2015-2018 Mustang GT350 vehicles built on or before 26-Feb-2018 may exhibit an excessive
panel gap where the rear bumper cover meets the rear quarter panels on either side of the vehicle. This may be
due to the method used to fasten the rear bumper cover to the vehicle.
Action: Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
Parts
Part Number

Description

Quantity

JR3Z-17N775-A GT350 Rear Bumper Cover Kit

1

Warranty Status: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage Warranty/ESP
coverage limits/policies/prior approvals are not altered by a TSB. Warranty/ESP coverage limits are determined
by the identified causal part and verified using the OASIS part coverage tool.
Labor Times
Operation
No.

Description
2015-2018 Mustang GT350: Replace The Side And Outer Rear Brackets And Install
Compression Wedges Following The Service Procedure Includes Time To Remove And
Install The Rear Bumper Cover (Do Not Use With Any Other Labor Operations)

182107A

Time
1.7
Hrs.

Repair/Claim Coding
Causal Part:

17K835

Condition Code: 07

Drive

Tool Name

1/4"

Power Tool

1/4"

Ratchet

1/4"

3" Extension

1/4"

6" Extension

1/4"

7 mm Socket

1/4"

8 mm Socket

1/4"

10 mm Socket

1/2"

Power Tool

1/2"

21 mm Socket

1/2" Torque Socket Accutorq

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7 mm Wrench
Medium Trim Tool
Drill
13/64" Drill Bit
Rivet Gun

Service Procedure
1. Remove the rear bumper cover. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-19.
(1). To assist in removal of the bumper cover, allow the vehicle to reach room temperature if possible.
Removing the bumper cover when it is cold may increase the possibility of breaking the retention clips during
removal.
(2). Once all fasteners have been removed, disengage the clips holding the bumper cover to the vehicle as
follows:
• Apply slight upward pressure on the bumper cover and pull outwards from either side of the vehicle to disengage the
clips along the sides of the vehicle.
• Apply slight upward pressure on the bumper cover and pull rearwards on the bumper cover to disengage the clips
along the rear of the vehicle.

2. Remove the side brackets and outer rear brackets that were clipped to the bumper cover. Refer to WSM,
Section 501-19.
(1). It is not necessary to remove the center rear bracket.
3. Install the revised side brackets and outer rear brackets.
(1). Make sure the fastener holes in the side brackets are centered in relation to the fasteners that go through
them. (Figure 1)
(2). Make sure the tabs on the outer rear brackets are properly inserted into the holes in the body of the
vehicle when installing these brackets.
Figure 1

4. Use the provided templates to drill a 13/64” hole in each side of the bumper cover.
(1). To locate where the holes should be before drilling, align the cutout corner of the template with the notch
along the front edge of this part of the fascia. (Figure 2, right side shown)
Figure 2

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5. Using scissors or a pair of side cutters, trim the tabs off of each side of the rear bumper cover. (Figures 3 - 4,
left side shown)
(1). These tabs are located just outboard of the holes drilled in Step 4.
(2). Do not trim these tabs completely flush. Only trim away enough to allow the compression wedges to fit
into the proper place in the bumper cover with no obstruction. (Figures 3 - 4)
Figure 3

Figure 4

6. Using the alcohol swabs provided in the kit, clean the area on both sides of the bumper cover where the
compression wedges will adhere.
7. Install the compression wedges to the bumper cover.
(1). Remove the backing from the double-sided tape on the compression wedges and install them into the
bumper cover.
(2). Insert the rivet through the holes in the bumper cover and the holes in the compression wedges.
(3). Fasten the rivets with a rivet gun, holding the compression wedge in place to make sure each one is
seated and the double-sided tape adheres properly. (Figure 5, left side shown.)
Figure 5

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8. Loosely fit the rear bumper cover back onto the vehicle by snapping the bumper cover attachment tabs to the
outer rear brackets first, then the side brackets.
(1). Do not strike the bumper cover with force when attempting to snap it onto the brackets. This may bend or
damage the clips or tabs on the bumper cover or brackets. Only firm, steady pressure is required to engage
the bumper cover onto the clips. If it seems like more force is required, this is an indication the clips or tabs on
the bumper cover or brackets may be bent or out of place.
(2). While installing the bumper cover, listen for audible clicks indicating the bumper cover tabs have been
properly seated onto the clips on the brackets. The bumper cover clips should be heard when engaging on
both the rear outer brackets and the side brackets.
(3). If the bumper cover cannot be easily fitted onto the vehicle, remove the bumper cover and make sure the
side brackets and rear outer brackets are properly positioned. It may be necessary to loosen the brackets and
shift their position slightly to allow the tabs on the bumper cover to better line up with the clips on the
brackets.
9. Align the top hole of the compression wedges to the hole that is present on the rear outer bracket. An
assistant may be necessary to lift up on the bumper cover to allow the holes to line up. Using the provided
bolts, install one on each side. Start the bolts by hand, but do not tighten. (Figures 6 - 7, left side shown)
Figure 6

Figure 7

10. Once the bumper cover is loosely installed, visually align the bumper cover on the vehicle for the best
appearance and fit. While having an assistant lift up on the bumper cover, tighten the bolts installed in Step 9
to 1.5 Nm (13 lb–in).

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(1). If the panel gap between the bumper cover and body is still excessive, this may be caused by bent or
broken tabs/clips on the bumper cover and connecting brackets or mis-positioned brackets.
11. Finish the installation of the bumper cover following normal WSM procedures. Refer to WSM, Section 50119.

© 2018 Ford Motor Company
All rights reserved.
NOTE: The information in Technical Service Bulletins is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge, tools, and
equipment to do the job properly and safely. It informs these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or provides
information that could assist in proper vehicle service. The procedures should not be performed by "do-it-yourselfers". Do not assume that a
condition described affects your car or truck. Contact a Ford or Lincoln dealership to determine whether the Bulletin applies to your vehicle.
Warranty Policy and Extended Service Plan documentation determine Warranty and/or Extended Service Plan coverage unless stated
otherwise in the TSB article. The information in this Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) was current at the time of printing. Ford Motor Company
reserves the right to supersede this information with updates. The most recent information is available through Ford Motor Company's on-line
technical resources.

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