Rear door problem in cold weather?

nctrader77 · 02-07-2005, 06:06 PM

This may sound crazy, but when it is cold outside the rear hatch door or hatch glass will not open. I hear a clunk, like the solenoid activates, but it will not open. As soon as it gets warm; bingo no problem.

Anybody have the same problem, or know where I should look. Not really sure how cold could effect the latch, as I assume it is operated by a solenoid. Any help will be appreciated.

sr71bb · 02-08-2005, 07:07 PM

I have the same problem with my 2001 sport. It's only the rear hatch/glass. Whenever it's really cold i notice i have to press the unlock button a few times to unlock the rear hatch. Eventually it unlocks. If it's at home and in the garage, i just remember to unlock it while it's still warm so i have no problems the next day. It doesn't happen once the truck heats up though. I will put some white lithium grease on the actuator when i get a chance, that should solve it.

spta97 · 02-08-2005, 07:13 PM

I had the same problem and fixed it with a few squirts of WD-40. However, the white lithium would probably be better. I recently found that they made white lithium in a spray and used it on my hinges and it really sticks to the metal.

I think it is a good idea to lubricate the locks / hinges as part of winterization.

spta97 · 02-09-2005, 12:46 PM

I checked my "Family Handyman" magazine that sugguested the different types of lubricants for different areas of the car. They suggest WD-40 if it is stuck or rusted, followed by white lithium spray.

02-07-2005, 06:06 PM	#1
nctrader77 Wannabe Elite Explorer Charlotte NC 2000 Ford Explorer XLT Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 4 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Rear door problem in cold weather? This may sound crazy, but when it is cold outside the rear hatch door or hatch glass will not open. I hear a clunk, like the solenoid activates, but it will not open. As soon as it gets warm; bingo no problem. Anybody have the same problem, or know where I should look. Not really sure how cold could effect the latch, as I assume it is operated by a solenoid. Any help will be appreciated.

02-08-2005, 07:07 PM	#2
sr71bb Wannabe Elite Explorer Norton, Massachusetts 2001 Explorer sport Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 14 Vehicle Specs	Yes I have the same problem with my 2001 sport. It's only the rear hatch/glass. Whenever it's really cold i notice i have to press the unlock button a few times to unlock the rear hatch. Eventually it unlocks. If it's at home and in the garage, i just remember to unlock it while it's still warm so i have no problems the next day. It doesn't happen once the truck heats up though. I will put some white lithium grease on the actuator when i get a chance, that should solve it.

02-08-2005, 07:13 PM	#3
spta97 Wannabe Elite Explorer NY, NY 2000 5.0 AWD Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 1,038 Vehicle Specs	I had the same problem and fixed it with a few squirts of WD-40. However, the white lithium would probably be better. I recently found that they made white lithium in a spray and used it on my hinges and it really sticks to the metal. I think it is a good idea to lubricate the locks / hinges as part of winterization.

02-09-2005, 12:46 PM	#4
spta97 Wannabe Elite Explorer NY, NY 2000 5.0 AWD Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 1,038 Vehicle Specs	I checked my "Family Handyman" magazine that sugguested the different types of lubricants for different areas of the car. They suggest WD-40 if it is stuck or rusted, followed by white lithium spray.