99 Explorer can you disable the external rear hatch button that opens glass?

[unpredictable1]

My 99 Sport has a problem with the rear hatch key button that also opens the rear glass access. You can't lock it. It opens and closes securely without issue but if you lock the truck, you can still press this key button on the hatch to still gain entry. The main hatch locks as it should, via remote and using the key but the button will still let the glass open.

From searching it appears it's the button itself but I can't seem to find a way to just disable it. I've taken the panel off and checked all the linkages etc, everything is connected and moving freely, and it's like pushing the button completely overrides the fact it should be locked. I can also still use this key hole to lock and unlock the main hatch without issue. (this indicates the linkage between the actuator and rest of locking mechanism is fine.

Several months ago I replaced the rear hatch door lock actuator as it was developing the issue where you sometimes couldn't open the main rear hatch. As part of that repair I greased all linkages and the button itself. I'm willing to bet this rear glass has been like this a while (it was seldom used)

 

[410Fortune]

Unplug the button?
If I understand what you are saying

Or unhook / unplug the power lock actuator inside the tailgate, this would make the tailgate lock manual only. Key or push pull tab only

It sounds like an adjustment issue to me, but difficult to decipher the issue you are having. Maybe get some
Pic

 

[unpredictable1]

Unplug the button?
If I understand what you are saying

The plug that is on it must be for the dome light or something, the button still functions if I disconnect it. I guess if I completely remove the linkage it can't do anything and I won't be lock/unlock the hatch with the key. That would be one way

Just looked close again, there is some secondary linkage around this button that's not moving with the lock button from what I can tell, (standing behind the vehicle, this is on the right side of the button tucked right up near the latching mechanism. linkage for locking/unlocking all moves freely and works. Never really mucked around with this button latch before so I'm hunting and picking lol

For my own sanity - is the belly button on the hatch supposed to always be stuck out until the hatch is opened and it stays recessed right? (until you close it, it pops back out...) Just want to make sure I have the behaviour correct.

Cheers

 

[unpredictable1]

Unplug the button?
If I understand what you are saying

Or unhook / unplug the power lock actuator inside the tailgate, this would make the tailgate lock manual only. Key or push pull tab only

It sounds like an adjustment issue to me, but difficult to decipher the issue you are having. Maybe get some
Pic

Put it this way, no matter how you lock the truck - you can just walk up and hit the rear glass belly button on the tail gate and the glass will pop open. It always over rides the locking mechanism and just opens.

I might actually have it worked free so that it locks properly (I hope! lol)

 

[Pete Deering]

Put it this way, no matter how you lock the truck - you can just walk up and hit the rear glass belly button on the tail gate and the glass will pop open. It always over rides the locking mechanism and just opens.

I might actually have it worked free so that it locks properly (I hope! lol)

Why don't you , just disconnect the wire on the lock solenoid or disconnect the linkage on the lock.

 

[unpredictable1]

So I think I got it figured out, it appears when I installed the new actuator - maybe this locking mechanism for the button was "out of sync" if you will. I manually worked it back and forth while locking and unlocking the truck (be careful with your hands in there!) and it seems I now have it behaving correctly.

Very odd.

I tried to get a pic of the linkages:

 

[410Fortune]

Those Linkages are adjustable if the lock actuator rod is not set right it will not fully seat in the lock position… they get sloppy over time and need tightening up using the plastic adjusters

The power lock actuators get lazy over time as well and when a new one is installed adjustments can be needed
If the lock arms fall all the way into the seated position then the hatch handle would not be able to force it open

Hope you got it! White lithium grease is good to spray on all those components

 

[unpredictable1]

Day 2 and it's still performing as it should and the rear hatch belly button pops out with authority when you click the unlock button. Locks when you lock the truck.

All I appeared to do was manually move the linkage for the button to the lock position when I locked the hatch...and it's seemingly fixed

Yup I agree, everything getting another spray for sure lol