NUMBER:
GROUP:
DATE:

23-011-15
Body
March 21, 2015

This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without written permission of FCA US LLC.

THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES SERVICE BULLETIN 23-022-14 REV. A, DATED
OCTOBER 23, 2014, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. ALL
REVISIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS** AND INCLUDE ADDITION OF
TAIL LAMP FOR EXPORT MARKET.
SUBJECT:
Tailgate Retaining Strap Over Extends And Breaks
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves painting and replacing both tailgate hinges and replacing the tailgate
retaining strap. If damaged, it may also be necessary to replace the tailgate hinge covers
and/or right side tail lamp as required.
MODELS:
2012 - 2014

(JK)

Wrangler

NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles built on or after July 12, 2011 (MDH 0712XX)
and on or before July 30, 2013 (MDH 0730XX).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The tailgate retaining strap is damaged due to the tailgate hinge over extending. The
retaining strap typically breaks at the body side of the retaining strap attachment. Tailgate
hinge covers and/or tail lamp may also be damaged as a result of over extension.
DIAGNOSIS:
If the customer describes the symptom, perform the Repair Procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
Qty.

Part No.

Description

2

55395401AG

HINGE, Tailgate

1

04589890AC

STRAP, retaining

1 (AR)

55397090AB

COVER, Tailgate Body Half, Upper Hinge

1 (AR)

55397089AB

COVER, Tailgate Body Half, Lower Hinge

1 (AR)

55397092AC

COVER, Tailgate Hinge, Upper Hinge

1 (AR)

55397091AC

COVER, Tailgate Hinge, Lower Hinge

23-011-15

-2-

Qty.

Part No.

Description

1 (AR)

55077890AD

LAMP, Tail Stop Turn, Right

**1 (AR)

55078146AC

LAMP, Tail Stop Turn, Right (EXPORT)**

1 (AR)

NPN

Crest East Coast Clear Seal 5 min. 1.7 oz.
Cartridge #ZCEC or Equivalent

NOTE: Each Crest East Coast clear seal 1.7 oz. cartridge will service approximately
2 vehicles.
SPECIAL TOOLS/EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
NPN

Crest East Coast Applicator Gun #GCMT

NOTE: The Crest East Coast applicator gun is a non-reimbursable shop tool.
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
NOTE: If tailgate retaining strap is broken, tailgate hinges MUST be replaced.
1. Paint the new replacement tailgate hinges per the approved warranty refinish paint
manufacturers (Akzo Nobel, Axalta, BASF, PPG, and Sherwin-Williams)
recommendations.
2. Remove the spare tire from the tailgate if applicable.
3. Remove the upper hinge covers (1) and lower hinge covers (2) (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1 Tailgate Hinge Covers
1 - Upper Hinge Covers
2 - Lower Hinge Covers

-3-

23-011-15

NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the tailgate to replace the hinges if they are
replaced one at a time.
4. Replace both tailgate hinges one at a time. First remove the tailgate side hinge bolts
(1) then the body side hinge bolts (2), reverse order for installation (Fig. 2). Apply body
sealant per manufacturer’s directions to the back surface of the hinge where it makes
contact with the vehicle to prevent corrosion (Fig. 3). Refer to the detailed repair
procedures available in: DealerConnect> TechCONNECT under: Service Info> 23 Body> Decklid/Hatch/Liftgate/Tailgate> HINGE> Removal / Installation.

Fig. 2 Tailgate Hinges
1 - Tailgate Side Hinge Bolts
2 - Body Side Hinge Bolts

23-011-15

-4-

Fig. 3 Tailgate Hinge Body Sealer Application
1 - Body Sealant Application

5. Install the tailgate hinge covers. If the hinge cover(s) were damaged due to tailgate
hinge over extension, replace the damaged hinge cover(s) as necessary. Each hinge
cover is a unique shape and CANNOT be interchanged. Refer to (Fig. 4) for
identification of correct hinge cover placement.

-5-

23-011-15

Fig. 4 Tailgate Hinge Cover Identification
1 - Lower Body Side Hinge Cover
2 - Upper Tailgate Side Hinge Cover
3 - Upper Body Side Hinge Cover
4 - Lower Tailgate Side Hinge Cover

6. Install the spare tire to the tailgate if previously removed.
7. Remove the right rear quarter trim panel (3). One fastener is located behind the trim
bezel (1) and two fasteners are under the cargo floor covering at location (2) (Fig. 5).
Refer to the detailed repair procedures available in: DealerConnect> TechCONNECT
under: Service Info> 08 - Electrical> 8A - Audio/Video/Entertainment/Connectivity>
SPEAKER> Removal> SUBWOOFER. Quarter trim panel without subwoofer requires
a similar removal process but without speaker electrical connector.

23-011-15

-6-

Fig. 5 Right Rear Quarter Trim Panel
1 - Quarter Trim Bezel
2 - Fasteners
3 - Quarter Trim Panel

8. Remove the two retaining strap to tailgate fasteners (2) and four retaining strap to
body fasteners (3) then remove the tailgate retaining strap (1) from the vehicle (Fig. 6).

-7-

23-011-15

Fig. 6 Tailgate Retaining Strap
1 - Retaining Strap
2 - Body Side Fasteners
3 - Tailgate Side Fasteners

9. Install the new tailgate retaining strap (Fig. 6).
10. Install the right rear quarter trim panel (Fig. 5). Refer to the detailed repair procedures
available in: DealerConnect> TechCONNECT under: Service Info> 08 - Electrical> 8A
- Audio/Video/Entertainment/Connectivity> SPEAKER> Installation> SUBWOOFER.
Quarter trim panel without subwoofer requires a similar installation process but without
speaker electrical connector.
11. If the right side tail lamp was damaged due to tailgate hinge over extension, replace
the tail lamp. Refer to the detailed repair procedures available in: DealerConnect>
TechCONNECT under: Service Info> 08 - Electrical> 8L - Lamps and Lighting>
Lamps> Lighting - Exterior> LAMP, Tail Stop Turn> Removal / Installation.
POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty. **Pre-authorization through the Vehicle
Digital Imaging Program is NOT required for this repair.**
TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation
No:

Description

Skill Category

Amount

23-40-20-9C

Replace Both Hinges, And Retaining
Strap (1 - Semi-Skilled)

6 - Electrical
and Body
Systems

1.0 Hrs.

23-40-20-9D

Replace Both Hinges, Retaining Strap, 6 - Electrical
And Right Tail Lamp (1 - Semi-Skilled) and Body
Systems

1.1 Hrs.

23-011-15

-8Related

23-70-63-90

Refinish Both Hinges
Material Allowance $21.44

6 - Electrical
and Body
Systems

1.8 Hrs.

NOTE: Time allowance includes paint preparation and refinishing both hinges.
FAILURE CODE:
ZZ

Service Action

PART REIMBURSEMENT DETAIL:
Part No:
NPN

Description
1/2 Of Clear Seal 1.7 oz. Cartridge

NOTE: This part number is for reimbursement only and will need to be claimed for
1/2 the value of Clear Seal 1.7 oz. Cartridge or it will be rejected. If this is a
non-MOPAR part or product, a copy of the invoice showing the purchase of
the non-MOPAR part or product needs to be attached to the reimbursement
claim.