Rear hatch wont unlock?

[eXplorerchic]

My hatch's lock on the back bit the dust and I was told I need to replace the lock actuator, i think. When I go to unlock the truck the locks make this "pumping" sound. My 2 doors will unlock but the hatch wont. If I hit the unlock button several times the hatch will finally unlock and open. So I just thought It would have something to do with the lock??? or the rods maybe?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did you try to pull off the panel, and spray everything with WD-40? Sometimes moving parts need a little lubrication after a while. It's possible that the actuator might be going bad, but try the spray first.

 

[IZwack]

Hehe this just happened to my 98.

I ended up tearing apart the plastic cover and pulling on the rod (off-roaders are barbaric at best).
You probably don't want to do rip up the plastic so carefuly remove it (flathead screw driver works well), and you'll see the rods.

 

[eXplorerchic]

So i just pull the rod around some, and try the WD-40? Thanks for the advice guys... I'm gona look into it later this week when I'm off.

 

[IZwack]

So i just pull the rod around some, and try the WD-40?

Or push on the rods

I think you'll find that the lock mechanism (at the center of the hatch, connected to the outside latch that you pull on) probably needs to be replced though. My vehicle's rear hatch exhibited the same symptoms you describe for about 6 months and finally, a few days ago, it decided not to open anymore. I havent replaced the lock mechanism yet though so I have no idea whats involved in doing so.

 

[eXplorerchic]

Ah ok then, well i'll give it a try... I thought it might have something to do with the lock actuator. Thanks for the advice

 

[IZwack]

I think the culprit is a worn part connected to the handle -- probably made of plastic. Worn out of course after years of opening the hatch. I th ink the actuator is fine 'cauz you hear it "pumping".

 

[eXplorerchic]

true, cuz the handle underneath, when I go to open the hatch is just loose doesnt pull nothing open

 

[IZwack]

true, cuz the handle underneath, when I go to open the hatch is just loose doesnt pull nothing open

Exactly -- the hatch on my Explorer is like that too.

 

[eXplorerchic]

Well if i find anything else out i'll letcha know...thanks!

 

[BrooklynBay]

The actuators have plastic gears which could get stripped after a while. You could hear them turning, but it doesn't mean that it's doing anything.

 

[tnmk]

So how is it that I posted a new thread yesterday with the exact same problem and no replies and a girl posts and gets 10 (now 11) in 2 days time?

Is this a sexist thing?

Anyway, I was having trouble pulling off the panel. I tried a flathead, but nothing wanted to pop loose.

It makes sense about the gears being plastic as this probelm is intermittent for me. It almost sounded as if there was some slipping going on.

So tell me how do I get the damn panel off?!!!!!

Damn women, they get everything (oh did I type that? Sorry)

 

[EMG7895]

I had the opposite problem, it wouldnt lock most of the time, just oil all of the linkages and it should be good.

 

[Turdle]

Along the top of panel, it just pops out, remove the screws from inner handle, and near window latch first.
It is held along bottom with some "L" shaped pieces which lift up, then off.
You need to "unsnap" it from the top first though

 

[tnmk]

Thanks, I'll try it

 

[Ranger379]

all of my doors where someway messed up when i bought mine, tore all the door panels off and sprayed WD-40 & PB Blaster on EVERYTHING.... got the grease gun and put grease on finger and greased everything i could. they all work pretty well now, leave your windows cracked after your done, i have the wd-40 smell inside the truck for about a week lol