Rear Tailgate will not open

[proftomda]

I have a 98 explorer and cannot get the rear liftgate or glass to open. The electric unlock doesnt seem to do anything and the push button on the hatch doesnt do anything. I think something msut be disconnected inside the hatch. Anybody know how to get the hatch open in this situation?

 

[5.0inprovo]

I don't mean to hijack this thread, I just came across a similar problem and this is what I found in my search. My tailgate will not lock. Not with the fob, buttons or keys. So when my car is locked, the gate will still open and set off the alarm. I need to get this fixed ASAP because I am on vacation.

Thanks for any help.

 

[5.0inprovo]

I fixed it, just took the plastic off and lubed the actuator and locking peices. The actuator needed a little proding to get it moving again, like it was jammed but it works, seems these things need a little love once in a while. Lubricating the lock also loosened the back handle that was sticking which made my wife very happy.