1998 Explorer - key stuck in lift gate

[CynthiaK]

My key is stuck in the lift gate lock. We have had some inclement weather and I attempted to unlock the lift gate this morning and the key turned a quarter of the way to the right and then stuck. I managed to pull it out about 1/8 inch and squirt some lock de-icer in case it had frozen in that position and then moved the key a bit in and out. The weather has warmed up and the key will not turn back to vertical position. I now think the tumbler is broken and not frozen.

Any suggestions?

Thank-you.

 

[koda2000]

I suspect you are correct that the tumbler is broken. The lift-gate/rear window latch is kinda a joke, in that all it does is block the moving parts from moving to open the rear window and lift-gate handle. If you can't get the key out you might try a locksmith, but it'll cost you to save the key. As I recall, removing the lock from the lift-gate to work on it is a PITA.

 

[CynthiaK]

Thank-you!