This crack is getting worse. How can I fix it?(pics)

[bull8t]

Just noticed today that the crack appears to be getting worse. Is there anyway I can fix this? Thanks

 

[calylove]

Clear nail polish. Just make sure to send your wife or girlfriend to get it. It wont get rid of the crack obviously, but should stop it from craking any further. Superglue gel would probably work too but never have tried it.

 

[davidmmm69]

HAVE A CRAC ON MY 2002 SAME PLACE EXCEPT MY CRACK IS THE OTHER WAY,. THE PART FROM FORD IS AROUND $50.OO CALLED


Ford Explorer Rear Glass Applique Molding


Ford Part # is 1L2Z - 78402A30 - CAPTM

 

[abarkl]

Is that $50 out the door in the factory color needed?

 

[davidmmm69]

Just Primed...

 

[bull8t]

good info. Thanks

 

[gijoecam]

There's a TSB on the issue,

TSB
05-24-2 BODY - LIFTGATE GLASS APPLIQUE DAMAGED/CRACKED - SERVICE PROCEDURE

Publication Date: November 17, 2005

FORD: 2002-2005 EXPLORER
LINCOLN: 2003-2005 AVIATOR
MERCURY: 2002-2005 MOUNTAINEER


This article supersedes TSB 04-8-5 to update the vehicle model year coverage.

ISSUE:
Some 2002-2005 Explorer/Mountaineer and 2003-2005 Aviator vehicles may exhibit a damaged/cracked plastic applique without liftgate glass damage.

ACTION:
Replace the applique as necessary. It is no longer necessary to replace the entire liftgate glass assembly to correct this condition. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

NOTE: READ THIS ENTIRE BULLETIN BEFORE BEGINNING THE REPAIR.



PAINTING THE NEW APPLIQUE

Lightly scuff the applique panel with a Scotchbrite pad on both sides.
Use compressed air and blow off the residue.
Spray and wipe the applique with plastic parts cleaner.
Mix and apply Ford approved basecoat material to the front side only of the applique. Allow appropriate flash time between coats.
NOTE: DO NOT GET ANY PAINT/OVER SPRAY ON BACKSIDE OF APPLIQUE.



Mix and apply Ford approved clear coat to the applique. Use manufacturers recommended flash time and final bake time at 60° C (140° F) panel temperature.
REMOVING THE OLD APPLIQUE

Note the locations of the existing emblems. Open liftglass and install a double layer of body tape in the opening area around the liftglass opening. This will protect the liftgate area from possible scratches when removing the applique (Figure 1).


Figure 1 - Article 05-24-2


Use a T-Handle windshield knife with a one (1) inch blade. DO NOT USE MECHANICAL WINDSHIELD KNIVES. Insert blade in the top left corner between the colored applique and black glass rubber. Pull knife downward (top to bottom). This will cut most of the left side urethane bead. Use a soft tip or dead blow hammer to hammer the sharpened spatula/putty knife to cut the remaining urethane holding the applique. Repeat on right side.
NOTE: DO NOT TRY TO CUT TOP EDGE.



Insert the knife into one of the bottom corners between the colored applique and black rim. Pull the knife across the entire bottom edge. Use a spatula/putty knife to remove residual urethane. Do not try to cut the top edge. Completing Steps 2 and 3 have cut the majority of the urethane between the applique and black rim.
Insert a spatula at the bottom corner of the applique and gently begin to pry up to allow you to firmly grip one end of the applique.
Pull and peel the applique from one side to the other.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

Scrape or pull all of the old urethane so that it is slightly below the surface of the black rubber mask (razor blade, gasket scraper). Scuff remaining old urethane adhesive with 80-Grit sand paper around the perimeter.
Clean window and back side of new applique with wax and grease remover.
Allow to flash for two (2) minutes.
NOTE: DO NOT USE WINDSHIELD URETHANE.



Install one (1) of the two (2) Motorcraft TA-9 Plastic Bonding Adhesive cartridges in the application gun Rotunda #501-040. Squeeze the out some material to level the plungers and install the nozzle.
NOTE: BEAD SIZE IS DEPENDENT UPON AMOUNT OF OLD URETHANE THAT IS REMOVED. TOP OF BEAD SHOULD EXTEND APPROXIMATELY 6.5 MM (0.25 INCH) BEYOND EDGE OF TROUGH. THIS REPAIR WILL REQUIRE ONE TO TWO (1-2) TUBES OF ADHESIVE. THE WORKABLE TIME OF THE ADHESIVE IS APPROXIMATELY TEN (10) MINUTES.



Apply 6.5 mm (0.25 inch) bead of Motorcraft TA-9 adhesive to inner side of the trough the old urethane was injected in. This will keep squeeze out to a minimum when the applique is installed.
Apply new painted applique and firmly press by hand over the entire adhesive area. Clean off squeeze out adhesive immediately with wax and grease remover.
Verify applique to top rubber mask alignment quickly as you have eight to ten (8-10) minutes working time (Figure 2). Open lift glass. Using extremely light pressure apply two (2) small clamps on the top corner ends to hold it in place.


Figure 2 - Article 05-24-2


NOTE: EXCESSIVE CLAMP PRESSURE CAN CAUSE DEPRESSION IN THE APPLIQUE. BE SURE THAT THE APPLIQUE IS CENTERED, WITH AN EVEN GAP ON EACH SIDE.



Apply tape, 2" wide X 6" in length every 4 inches vertically, starting on the bottom and then the top edge.
Remove clamps on edge and replace with masking tape immediately after Step 8.
Apply the 2" wide tape the full length horizontally of top and bottom, wrapping around backside.
Allow a minimum of forty five (45) minutes at 21° C (70° F) dry time and remove tape.
Install new emblems.

PART NUMBER PART NAME
TA-9 Motorcraft Plastic Bonding Adhesive (Two (2) Tubes Required)
4C5Z-78402A30- Applique - Aviator
BAPTM
4C5Z-7842528-AAA Emblem - Lincoln
1L2Z-78402A30- Applique - Explorer
CAPTM
1L2Z-7842528-AA Emblem - Ford
1L2Z-78402A30- Applique - Mountaineer
DAPTM
1L2Z-7842528-EA Emblem - Mountaineer Name Plate Lettering
2L9Z-7842528-AA Emblem - Mercury
2L2Z-7842528-AA Emblem - Mercury Premier
1L2Z-7842528-PA Emblem - Mercury V8
1L2Z-7842528-RA Emblem - Mercury AWD
2L2Z-7842528-BA Emblem - Mercury Advance Trac


OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES:
NONE

WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
052402A 2002-2005 Explorer and 2003-2005 Aviator: Replace Liftgate Glass Applique 1.3 Hrs.
052402A 2002-2005 Mountaineer: Replace Liftgate Glass Applique 1.4 Hrs.
052402B 2002-2005 Explorer/Mountaineer and 2003-2005 Aviator: Additional Time To Paint Applique. To Be Used With Operation A (Includes Time For P101 Basic Paint)

Good luck!

 

[Limited02]

I just had mine crack all the way down and it's an 1/8 wide!!!!! It snowed here last week and when the ice melted off the back, I noticed it. I thought maybe water got inside and when it froze up, it cracked it. I have to see about getting it fixed now. NOT to happy about it.

 

[kamiller42]

Just got mine fixed. The crack was right down the middle, right through the Ford emblem. $148 for the entire repair.

I should also mention to get quotes from different dealers. 1st dealer I went to quoted $457. 2nd said $250. Last was $148. Some pretty big differences.

 

[TheInevitable]

I bought mine with the crack already there. The warranty had already expired, so I will have to get it done. Maybe this summer. Anyway, its comforting to know that its somewhat common.

 

[davidmmm69]

i priced the applaque already and it is 48 dollars at my local dealer.
will do it soon. i only have till march 30th now.

 

[red82gt]

www.carcomplaints.com this is the #1 complaint right now. Mine cracked as well and it is closer to 1/4 inch wide. It looks like something from a 3rd world country.

 

[pcohenchicago]

If there is a TSB it should be a free fix... If your vehicle is still under warranty of course.

 

[2ExplorersOhio]

Mine cracked on my '02, a few months ago out of nowhere. My Ford dealer said Ford knows about the problem and they would offer me a deal. They charged me $70.00 and they fixed it and painted it to match. I had put electrician tape on it and it held for a few weeks then the crack got wider and spread into a y shape

 

[Jamo]

I bought my '02 XLT 4x4 in October 2005. It was in great shape. I noticed the crack start forming in the top of the panel in January 2006. By March 2006, the crack had made it to the bottom of the panel, thus splitting the panel into two individual pieces.

Over the last year I tried several things to patch the crack, including silicone, Bondo, and black vinyl (I make custom vinyl decals). What proved most effective was black RTV (available at Walmart for about $3). Since my Explorer is black, it didn't require painting and was flexible during temperature changes.

My dad is the Parts Manager at a local Mazda/VW dealership and is going to get the panel for me at his wholesale cost. A local bodyshop (the owner is a friend of my dad) is going to paint and install it for $70. I'll get it all done sometime this week, then I just have to wait on the NEXT problem!


J


2002 Explorer XLT 4x4 bought with 51,000 miles
----------------------------------------------
* Liftgate panel cracked in half at 60,000 miles (~$150)
* Rear wheel bearings failed at 60,000 miles ($1100)
* Transmission failed at 68,000 miles ($3100)

 

[Jamo]

I got the panel replaced today!!!

It was delivered to the body shop from the local Ford dealer yesterday. They painted it yesterday afternoon. I dropped off my truck this morning and it was ready for pickup by lunch. The pannel was $47 and the entire operation was $200 out the door (including paint ($70), labor, urethane adhesive, etc.). It looke BETTER than new. Of course, they buffed it too.

Interesting that the panel is held on with Urethane adhesive...

Anyway, one more problem taken care of!