Lift Gate (Glass) Will not open

[ATLPookie]

I didn't realize the rear glass opened on my newly acquired '05 till I saw this post. I had wondered why Ford stopped the dual opening tailgate that my '96 has. Anyhow, after reading this and figuring out how to get into the bottom interior panel to release the glass lift gate, I found that the rubber washers on both ends of the release cable had failed.I used an idea I got from the old zip tie accelerator pedal method (50 Horsepower For 5 Cents............), and it worked. I put zip ties on both ends of the release cable. Two on the top, up near the hatch release mechanism (which I removed the screws so I could move it around for better access to the cable) on the same side of the cable (before the clip the rubber washer fits into) and two at the trigger mechanism, one on each side of the clip. Have no idea how long it will last, but for an hour of my time and 4 zip ties job well done. Didn't think about pictures, but if it breaks again I'll get some.

Old thread, but I just had this problem with the glass hatch on my 2003 Mercury Mountaineer. If the actuator cable and the ball ends of the cable are intact, then zip ties are the answer.

A replacement glass hatch actuator is no longer available at most auto parts outlets. I was able to find one on ebay for $140.00. Figured I would try a fix first before ordering from ebay.

Opening the glass hatch with the pick is the way to go. After pulling the latch with the pick, check the hatch to see if it opens. It will not make the normal release sound like you are used to hearing, so you might not think the latch released, but it does. Otherwise, you will keep trying to release the hatch not realizing it is already open.

 

[4rd Xplora]

I had forgotten that I did that "zip tie fix", mainly because it's still working.

 

[ATLPookie]

I had forgotten that I did that "zip tie fix", mainly because it's still working.

I appreciate you sharing the zip tie fix. Only been a week or so, but works like a champ. I anticipate the repair will last for another 10-20 years and then I'll splurge by replacing these with new zip ties.