96 Explorer freakin back hatch handle

[Andrea P]

Uggghhh...I am about to install my 4th handle (in 2 months time). Obviously I am doing something wrong. I have checked forums, you tube, my books, I just can not figure out what I am doing wrong. Each one of them has broke where it pushes the metal latch to the left or right of center. (window or door) Can someone tell me what I am doing wrong and show pics. There is a metal plate that the handle screws into, I am pretty sure I have that facing the correct way. Is there supposed to be a clip to position a rod to the handle???? I need a specific blow up (way detailed) to see how it is to be installed. Please please help me.
Thank you so so much for any help

 

[Mbrooks420]

How stiff is the mechanism?

 

[koda2000]

When you've had things apart have you lubricated the moving parts (latches, rod pivot parts)? If it's difficult to pull the handle something is not right. The 2 pegs that the latches close on are adjustable. Maybe there's too much tension on the latches when the hatch is closed. I'm surprised the handles are breaking, usually it's the yellow clips that will pop when there's too much resistance.

 

[Andrea P]

It is not loose but not overly tight. I think I am missing a rod retainer clip but I am not sure. That is why I need a in depth picture.

 

[Andrea P]

I think it is the yellow clips that I am missing. Is that possible?

 

[koda2000]

If you're missing yellow connecting clips, the exterior handle wouldn't do anything because it wouldn't be connected to anything.

 

[Andrea P]

The plastic part is pushing the lever to the left or right but then it eventually it breaks. One on the left is original, the one on the right is broke.

 

[Andrea P]

On the piece that breaks, there is a hole inside of the round part. Am I supposed to be putting a rod in there?

 

[Andrea P]

Did you see my post?

Thank you

 

[koda2000]

Yes I saw your post. Sorry, I didn't realize you had a '96 until I saw your photo. I don't have any experience with the insides of the early Explorer hatch release design. I've only had to repair the '98-2001 hatch handles, which are quite different.

Perhaps someone who has an earlier Explorer will be able to help you. Have you tried searching for a You Tube video on the subject? Sometimes 1A Auto will have a video on how to fix something (link below), have you tried a repair manual for you truck (Haynes manual)? sometimes they're helpful, sometimes not so much.

1A Auto | Aftermarket Car Parts - Buy Quality Auto Parts Online

 

[Mbrooks420]

I might be running to the pick and pull for some odds and ends for some minor projects rolling around in my head. If so, they might have a 95-97 I can yank the cover off of. My 96 was always stiff and I was afraid of breaking it. After several times lubing it and the latches themselves I got it working fairly well.

 

[koda2000]

I might be running to the pick and pull for some odds and ends for some minor projects rolling around in my head. If so, they might have a 95-97 I can yank the cover off of. My 96 was always stiff and I was afraid of breaking it. After several times lubing it and the latches themselves I got it working fairly well.

Our old '97's hatch handle always worked okay (265k when sold) so I never had any reason to mess with it.

 

[974X4BLACKSPORT]

My 97 has the turn handle design and yeh, it is hard to turn and hurts my hand to open it, not a good design IMO. Now the 1996-2001 workshop PDF manual (pg.4940) doesn't have the turn handle design, it shows a lifting handle design, W T H?
I dont have anymore Explorer diagrams to help further, sorry.

 

[Andrea P]

The funny thing, not so funny now, is that I was just replacing it because my husband was always turning it the wrong way and then complaining, so instead of just writing on it, I thought I would be able to change it out.

 

[German Engineer]

Well, if you have a husband that "violent" you might want to consider reinforcing the handle with some fiber glass and a ton of epoxy.