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Rear hatch handle not working.
- Thread starter Cbyersh37
- Start date
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Roadrunner777
Explorer Addict
- Joined
- February 5, 2011
- Messages
- 2,040
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- 347
- City, State
- Bemidji, MN
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 94 4x4 Sport 88k
I went in the factory manual for the '94. You would have to take the off the inside of the liftgate and look for two rods running horizontally. Pull them towards the latch, it should open. I don't see an easier way, maybe someone else does?
StryctNy9e
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- March 10, 2011
- Messages
- 459
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- City, State
- Beaverton OR/ hayward CA
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1993 XLT Exploder
taking off the inside hatch panel as roadrunner777 described is the only way I know of. I had to do it myself after a friend of mine bought a boat, asked me to tow it I said yes. The guy he bought it from put it on the hitch and I did not check it before taking off. Three blocks later I was rear ended by a boat!! Minimal dent in the hatch and it was stuck closed.
You have to remove the 4 plastic screws at the top inside of the hatch, then remove plastic cover over the lock pull pin, then remove the screw inside and the plastic lock pin cover. Then on the inside handle/leash there are two screw to remove. You are now ready to remove the inside cover and it is tricky with the hatch closed, the top will pull straight out, but the bottom needs to slide upwards. there are two little feet that slide into the sheet metal inside the cover so you will have to push the plastic up far enough to clear the feet from the metal.
Or you can try to push/pull on the handle of the hatch and turn to the left/right at the same time. There are knobs or plastic studs on the back side of the handle that push/pull the rods on the inside of the door to unlock/lock, If the dent pushed the handle too far back that the knobs wont be properly aligned and the door will not release. This may re-align the knods and unlock/pop the hatch.
Yes I know my description is a little hard to understand, but it is the best I can do without having pictures. It sounds like a big job but is fairly simple. The toughest part is trying to get the inside hatch cover out without cracking it. Hope it helps and by the way Welcome to the forum and just think of it as you first upgrade or project on your explorer. GOOD LUCK.
You have to remove the 4 plastic screws at the top inside of the hatch, then remove plastic cover over the lock pull pin, then remove the screw inside and the plastic lock pin cover. Then on the inside handle/leash there are two screw to remove. You are now ready to remove the inside cover and it is tricky with the hatch closed, the top will pull straight out, but the bottom needs to slide upwards. there are two little feet that slide into the sheet metal inside the cover so you will have to push the plastic up far enough to clear the feet from the metal.
Or you can try to push/pull on the handle of the hatch and turn to the left/right at the same time. There are knobs or plastic studs on the back side of the handle that push/pull the rods on the inside of the door to unlock/lock, If the dent pushed the handle too far back that the knobs wont be properly aligned and the door will not release. This may re-align the knods and unlock/pop the hatch.
Yes I know my description is a little hard to understand, but it is the best I can do without having pictures. It sounds like a big job but is fairly simple. The toughest part is trying to get the inside hatch cover out without cracking it. Hope it helps and by the way Welcome to the forum and just think of it as you first upgrade or project on your explorer. GOOD LUCK.
StryctNy9e
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- March 10, 2011
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- 459
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- 0
- City, State
- Beaverton OR/ hayward CA
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1993 XLT Exploder
HA HA HA HA I didnt even notice you also lived close to me in oregon until I got done typing that novel. Dont know if you are into it but maybe we will see eachother wheelin or on the streets just crusing along.
Cbyersh37
Active Member
- Joined
- January 25, 2011
- Messages
- 62
- Reaction score
- 3
- City, State
- The Dalles, Oregon
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 17 Subaru Crosstrek Ltd
That might be fun to go wheelin with another exploder. yeah i rarely go to the
Portland area, only when i have to cause the drivers there piss me off. But if you ever get your explorer fixed just let me know if you would like to meet up.
Portland area, only when i have to cause the drivers there piss me off. But if you ever get your explorer fixed just let me know if you would like to meet up.
StryctNy9e
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- March 10, 2011
- Messages
- 459
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Beaverton OR/ hayward CA
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1993 XLT Exploder
yea I will let you know if I head out that way also .I would like to go out that way some time and do some scouting for hunting season and you can show me some wheelin spots.
fishnhunt18
Active Member
- Joined
- February 18, 2011
- Messages
- 53
- Reaction score
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- City, State
- pearl city, hi
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 92 Eddie Bauer 4X$
I just had to go to a junkyard and replace mine. The previous owner had backed into their garage with the liftgate open. Needless to say it bent a few things. It had warped so bad over the last 7 years that the spot welds on the gate where the hinges mount were pulling off the metal. That process was tricky, but I had some help. Congratulations on getting it fixed. It can be a real pain.
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