Liftgate will not open. Any ideas.

[Chrysler79]

Hello,

New to the forum. I have had ford's for a while now. We just picked up an 04 EB 4X4 for a great price. Everything has been good. I had to replace the brakes to ceramic pads because the noise and dust was awefull. I also had to replace the tires due to cupping. Anyway I bought a new exaust, detailed it, and have been happy.

On my first long trip while packing I went to open the liftgate and it wouldn't open. I checked the fuses, and all is well. The back window opens as advertised. The power locks work, and no codes are being thrown. It sounds like the lock is locking and unlocking when I hit the button. When you pull the handle, nothing. I'm thinking the linkage is bad? Or something along those lines failed.

I've searched and haven't found anything on this problem. Anyone else had this problem before? How hard is it to get the paneling off. I don't know how it's possible with the door closed. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Chrysler79]

Okay so if you pull the kick panel, and remove the strap inside you can pull the lower panel. It's just clipped in. I was able to get to the lock and it looks like the power unlock just doesn't kick the linkage over far enough to disengage the lock. I'm ordering a new motor to see if it works. When I kick the lock over myself it works. Motors are 60 bucks on ebay just in case anyone has that problem.

 

[Stoned06]

Haven't heard of this problem until now for the rear hatch. Door lock actuators are known to fail across all manufacturers, so I am not surprised that is what you found to be the issue. Glad you determined the culprit, and good luck with the repair.