Tail gate wont open.

[Kojoff]

Good evening ladies and gents!!
I have another head scratcher. Seems my 99 Expy has an issue with the tailgate not wanting to open. I figure the latch mechanism has broken, but only for the tailgate itself. The glass still opens. My newest question is... Is there a way to access the tailgate latch from the inside? If I could get the dang thing open, seems it would probably be a rather easy fix.

 

[tvlunn]

Yes, you can remove the tailgate plastic cover from the inside. You'll need to crawl back there from the inside. Once the cover is removed you can release the tailgate so that it goes up! I've repaired the broken cable and its not bad at all!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyL4xWT7Xts

 

[tvlunn]

You probably will NOT need to replace the entire cable as the end is what breaks off. You will likely only need this part: This was used for my 1998 Expy, but I suspect the 99 is the same?!!?!!

https://www.amazon.com/zipelo-Repair-Replacement-Aluminum-Accessories/dp/B0CD6NVYYW/ref=sr_1_3?crid=8NTRR42XVAH9&keywords=1998+expedition+rear+hatch+cables&qid=1693006074&replacementKeywords=rear+hatch+cables&sprefix=1998+expedition+,aps,132&sr=8-3&vehicle=1998-54-662------------&vehicleName=1998+Ford+Expedition

 

[jr1under]

You probably will NOT need to replace the entire cable as the end is what breaks off. You will likely only need this part: This was used for my 1998 Expy, but I suspect the 99 is the same?!!?!!

Yes, same on my 1999 Exp liftgate and 2005 F150 rear doors. Never had a bad cable, just crumbled plastic on both ends. When installing, I make sure the slot in the end piece is rotated away from the opening it's being snapped into.