2001 model, tailgate frozen.

[joerlawson]

My tailgate will not open. It is not locked. Any suggestions on how to fix? Thanks.

 

[429CJ-3X2]

Are you saying it's not locked only because you didn't lock it? I only ask that because mine randomly locks itself. Is there resistance when you pull on the latch?

 

[joerlawson]

Tailgate will not open

There is no resistance when you pull on the latch. I locked it and unlocked it again to make sure it was not locked. It worked fine yesterday. Very strange.

 

[429CJ-3X2]

The release mechanism (rod, cable, whatever) inside the tailgate must have broken or come loose. Probably a nylon clip. You'll probably have to take the panel off the bed side of the tailgate to get at it. I just looked at my '02 and there are 6 screws across the top part. The bottom is held in with plastic push pins, which you won't be able to get to with the tailgate closed, but they should pop out anyway. At least the plastic panel should flex enough to let you get inside the tailgate. Then you can pull the rod or cable on each side to get the tailgate open to fix it.

FYI - I haven't been inside a Sport Trac tailgate. I'm just going on having been inside pickup tailgates and the rear doors of Aerostars and my '94 Explorer.

 

[429CJ-3X2]

Yeow! I just realized how screwed I'd be if that happened to my tailgate. I have a toolbox across the front and a homebuilt cover on the back half that latches from the inside. I'd have to take the toolbox off to get the cover off to get the panel off the tailgate.

 

[swshawaii]

Torx T-30 bit needed.

http://www.mysporttrac.com/shared/projects.asp?VIEW=330&WRENCHES=3&PageHeader=

 

[05dakotatrac]

sounds like you fixed it its cable operated to the latches similar to the factory tonneau if you ever need to reference a truck the 97-03 F150 Flare side (step side) gates match ours