I got my escape a year and a half ago. At the time, the liftgate wouldnt lock.. then one day it locked and wouldnt unlock. I got the actuator part I need, but now Im wondering how to manually unlock the liftgate so I cant take off the interior and replace the actuator. Any suggestions?

 

...Anyone?

 

There are a couple of threads floating around where this has happened and been fixed.

 

The hardest part is getting the trim for the gate loose near the window. On a warm day, it can be done easier. Once the top is loose, you can reach inside and manipulate the mechanism to unlock it.

The plastic cover just hooks over the metal at the window and is secured on the bottom and sides once the gate is opened. I think there are like 6 phillips head screws. The cover should be pliable enough to reach in though.