Hi,
I am very new to this truck website, but I am out of options as to where to ask for help. I am a pretty compitent female, but my rear hatch hinge one of them broke today and I have no idea what to do?? Where to look where to start!!! Right now I am surfing websites looking for a part which I have no idea if I'm even calling it the right name!! I saw on a website that there may be a recall on these hinges..but again..don't know where to begin. If ANYONE has any info I would be most appreciative of it. My email is msjimenez5@helloworld.com or I will check back at this site. Thanks so much ahead of time! I have a 2003 Ford Explorer V8 4.6 4 door

 

is it the hinge that broke or the piston bracket

 

Ford recall 04S20. Contact your dealer.

 

Hi,
its the round metal piece on the hinge itself, I'm not sure what a piston bracket is, so sorry, I just know the whole right side of the glass is hanging down.
Thanks for any help you can give

 

print this out and see your dealer....

Ford recall 04S20

Affected vehicles: All 2002 and certain 2003 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer vehicles

Situation: In some of the affected 2002 vehicles, the ball stud bracket located on the rear liftgate window could rotate out of position on the glass. If this occurs, the window strut may detach and become trapped between the glass and the liftgate, possibly causing the window to drop unexpectedly or break. On all of the affected vehicles, (2002 and 2003 models), the hinge that attaches the liftgate window to the liftgate body may separate from the liftgate body. If this occurs, the window could drop unexpectedly or break. If the liftgate drops or breaks, either the person operating the window or a nearby person could be injured.

 

Hi,
Thanks so much for your reply, I did some research and the recall is for vehicles made up until June 23, 2003 guess when mine was made...Aug 2003, so they said they can't help me..isn't that some crap...........

 

That sucks. Mine was made in 2002 so they replaced them with the recall.

 

regardless of the cutoff date, I would be yelling loud and long at my dealer, and the regional rep...

 

I agree aquanaut. Ford should do something to help with the repair. You didn't mention your mileage but your vehicle isn't even 3 years old yet and only 2 months past the window of the supposed problem vehicles. Even though your vehicle was built in August an older pair of hinges could have been used.

 

I'll try and hep you! look at pic and tell me what you need.
Thanks Ed

 

Hi,
You are So helpful thanks, I guess I need the part that is labeled 420A68B
and 40610 and HS1

Those are the parts that I think I would need. Again thanks a MILLION for the help!!
Mandy

 

Those are the same parts that were replaced on my 2003 under the recall. Find a way to get in contact with the district manager for Ford motor company for your area (not from the dealer but from Ford). Call him/her and start a complaint about the same parts failing that had been under recall on many 2003's. You may find some information from the Ford web site on contacts. On mine, they didn't completely fail, but I never realized how easily the hatch should close. Turns out they had been a problem from when it was new off the lot.

 

Hi,

Thanks a lot I'll do that!!! Have a good day!
Mandy

 

If they won't cover it under warranty drop me a line from my web page and i'll give you a quote on these parts.
Thanks Ed