On my 2004 Explorer XLT,the back door liftgate lock will not disengage when I squeeze the handle .
I can hear the solenoid click, but the door remains locked and will not move.
The door is stuck in the closed position, so I can't access the inside of the vehicle to remove some large material I have placed there.

First, how can I get the door open?
Second, what do you think the problem is along with any possible solutions?

 

I've loaned my 2004 to my father-in-law for the next several weeks so I cannot go out and confirm this, but I recall a lever in the rear panel that I believe functions kind of like a child safety lock. Maybe in the process of loading the large material you knocked this lever. If you are still able to open the lift glass, you should be able to reach the lever without climbing over the cargo.

-Rod

 

Just looked at page 75 of the electronic copy of the owner's manual. It sounds like the lever I was referring to is just a way to manually lock and unlock the liftgate. I'm not sure if it functions independently from the power lock or not. But, maybe the cargo is preventing it from unlocking? Worth checking anyway.

-Rod

 

My daughter has the car today. I know that the cargo is not up against the door.

I'll try and locate the lever on the back (inside) door that you mentioned when I get the car back.

Thanks.

 

Found and exercised lever on back of door. Got door to lift and then lubricated lock mechanism. So far so good.

Thanks for your help Shorod.

 

Awesome, thanks for the follow-up!

-Rod