Rear Tailgate has troube closing

[apuszczalowski]

It seems like I have the opposite problem as most on here after doing a quick search of the site.

I have trouble closing the liftgate of my 99 Explorer Sport. It seems like the door has shifted a little or like it doesn't always latch correctly. When I have it open and then go to close it, most of the time it seems like it hits the latches but doesn't fully close, I can just lift the liftgate and have to slowly close it closer to it being closed (instead of opening it all the way) and then shut it a couple times before it fully closes.

Could it be hinges coming loose or warn? Is this common?

 

[herebyproxy]

See if the carpet is between the floor and the liftback......mine shifted a little and was preventing the latch from closing.....

 

[RIcArDO1697]

i have this problem :/, the right side of the tailgate don't close easly, how can i fix that problem?????

 

[SDR]

Check and see if the handle itself is sticking in the open position. Mine is doing this now. Have to manually move it back to the closed position before the gate will latch. Still haven't figured out how to fix it yet.

 

[apuszczalowski]

Thats what I figured out on mine this weekend too, the handle seems to be sticking in the open position.

 

[RIcArDO1697]

my handle is doing this but i move back the handle and my door can't close easly :/
how can i fix it?

 

[reflex26]

I have the same problem with mine,especially if I park on a side hill.I think my hinges are worn and sloppy.Try standing on the sides of the liftgate and pushing the gate towards the side while shutting it and see if this helps.If it does the top hinges could be worn being it's a 1999.Hope this helps.

 

[Turdle]

check both lift-support shock mounts on the hatch itself. It is not uncommon to find them rusted and broken free.

 

[Doubt Incarnate]

mine does this, i just adapted to pulling the handle just enough to open it, then before it goes up i thump the cover over the handle lightly with my fist. usually i hear the internal parts clunk when they reset, i'm sure oiling it is better though.