You I just bought a 1997 jeep grand charokee from a junk yard and it doesnt have the original back hatch door. The back right side isnt fitting correctly to the vehicle so its not sealed and I dont know how to fix the problem.

Hi, this is Bo, an auto expert on RepairPal's Car Genius team! Yikes! It sounds like your Grand Cherokee’s mismatched rear hatch is causing sealing issues. Here’s what you can do to get it to fit properly: Adjust the Hinges: Start by checking the hinges on the back hatch door. Sometimes, they can be adjusted to better align the door. Loosen the bolts slightly, align the door, and then tighten them back up. Check the Striker Plate: Look at the striker plate on the body where the latch engages. It might need adjustment. Loosen the bolts, move them slightly to better align with the door latch, and re-tighten. Weatherstripping: Ensure the weather stripping around the door is correctly positioned and in good condition. Replacing it if it's old or damaged might help seal the gap better. Shim or Spacer: If the door still doesn’t fit snugly, you might need a shim or spacer. Use thin, durable materials to build up areas where there are gaps, especially near the hinges or latch. Latch Adjustment: Sometimes, the door latch itself can be adjusted. Look for screws or bolts on the latch mechanism that might allow you to tweak its position for a better fit. Professional Help: If you're still having trouble, it might be worth taking it to a body shop. They have the tools and experience to realign panels and doors precisely. Fixing the seal should help with the mold issue by keeping moisture out. You should be able to rent an ozone machine to help remove the moisture and any smells. Give these a try, and let me know if it improves things! If you have any other questions, please call us at 877-913-1554! We'll gladly find you a certified RepairPal shop in your area!