Problem with liftgate lock

[johnwartjr]

Truck is a 96 Explorer Limited

When you hit the unlock button on the door (or, on the remote), the lock rod pops up, and drops back down. It doesn't stay up like it used to.

You can put the key in, turn the key and leave it turned - not snapped back to its 'home' position where they key comes out - and the liftgate or rear glass will open as expected.

So, something in the mechanism is worn/loose/broken. Any thoughts on what it might be, so I can order parts if necessary before I tear the tailgate apart?

 

[JarrodH]

I can't speak much to what is wrong, but if the gate is like my 2000, it isn't hard at all to remove the panel on the gate to look.

Take out the screw for the interior grab handle and remove that. I believe there is a screw under the plastic molding near where the window latches to also remove (sorry, it's been a while since I've removed mine). And then pull firmly down (when the gate is open) on the molding that surrounds the window. There are a few plastic grabs in that area. Once that is hanging down, you should be able to shift the entire piece towards the front of the truck and that will release it.

Then you should be able to look inside the gate and see if you have any broken rods, or if it is simply a plastic (usually yellow) connection that broke.

Hope that helps.

 

[scdix50]

I had to repair mine several years ago. The lock assy is made like a clam shell. The back half come apart from pushing the button in. You can get a new lock/button kit from Ford. It come in peices in a baggie. Use your lock set with the new clamshell.