can't get tail gate to work

[sallas641]

I have a 2003 Explorer Sport xlt and the taile gate handle broke where the
yellow plastic clip fits into the oustside hole. when Replaced it still felt
something was binding the handle when trying to open it. Inside when looking
at it work the yellow clip pops out of the handle . I tryed to adjust it with
moving the rods in different spot on the clips with no luck. when the rods
are used manuel it opens the tail gate but not attached to the handle. I also moved the post that the door latches on with no change. I can't afford to
take it some where please help before I brake the new handle.

 

[shawnf]

remove the panel from the inside of you tailgate, reinstall the yellow clip, use needle nose pliers and some wire to secure it. Make sure all the linkage is running throught the guides and Lithium Lube the guides, any pivot points and latches

 

[sallas641]

Thanks, I put a little screw in the hole in the end of the yellow clip which held it
but with the binding and the repaired old handle it couldn't handle the stress and
broke. That's why I need to know if anyone else has had this problem and what
they did to fix it. I will recheck the the clips ,lube it and try the wire .

 

[1Aauto]

Welcome to the site.

 

[sallas641]

I want to thank Shawnf for your advise , I put a small flat head screw through the
the yellow clip that goes in the handle and wrapped a thin wire around it while the clip
was open and then had to be pushed with the end of a screw driver to get the clip
to close. Sprayed everything with WD40 and it works great , no binding.