MY trunk door is hard to shut on my 97 runner

[blazzingbrandon]

When I close my trunk door, I usually have to do it really hard so it can completly close. Does anyone have this problem, what should I do?

[Brian R.]

See if you have a problem with its alignment relative to the truck body, either front to back, left to right, or top to bottom. Also see if one of the seals is damaged.

If there is no obvious problem, adjust the striker. First making a removable mark around it so that you know where your starting point is. Then loosen the screws a little and tap the striker from the inside edge (plastic hammer is good for this) and try to move it out to the rear by a small amount (1/8th inch might do it). Try and move it as little as possible side to side.

Tighten the screws and see if that is enough, too much, or too little. Repeat until the door shuts securely and firmly without effort. The weight of the door should cause it to shut and lock.

[onetopproducer]

Check your cargo carpet, make sure it is all the way recessed. It will cause the door not to shut all the way.