Tail gate latch
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Senior User
Joined: May 2013
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From: Salem, OR
Tail gate latch
My daughter just got a '92 Explorer. It runs good but has many other issues, first one to tackle is the tail gate latch. The handle is disconnected from the lock ***'y. First question, do I need to remove the interior panel and if so how? I can get the tailgate open, but not sure how to get interior panel off w/o breaking things. Any help is appreciated.
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Joined: Apr 2000
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From: PNW
Hmm. People are either out enjoying the 4th or don't have the manual. I got rid of the manual for my '91 Ranger (which included the Explorer) when I got rid of my truck 
Go to the library and check out a manual for your year. You should be able to check out a Haynes or Chilton or equivalent, but not the factory shop manual.
The other thing I do when I'm stuck on something like this is to go to a you-pull-it type junk yard and practice there. If it breaks, no big deal. Once the panel is off, you can figure out what's holding it on.
Generally speaking (your may be different), you slide a putty knife under the panel, then slide the putty knife along the panel until it stops. Then get another putty knife and come at it from the opposite direction until it stops and pry up. Repeat this around the perimeter of the panel. But, make sure any screws are removed. Sometimes they are near/behind handles or otherwise concealed. You can also find a tool that looks a little bit like a spatula with a slot in it. The push pins go in the slot and you pry up.
Go to the library and check out a manual for your year. You should be able to check out a Haynes or Chilton or equivalent, but not the factory shop manual.
The other thing I do when I'm stuck on something like this is to go to a you-pull-it type junk yard and practice there. If it breaks, no big deal. Once the panel is off, you can figure out what's holding it on.
Generally speaking (your may be different), you slide a putty knife under the panel, then slide the putty knife along the panel until it stops. Then get another putty knife and come at it from the opposite direction until it stops and pry up. Repeat this around the perimeter of the panel. But, make sure any screws are removed. Sometimes they are near/behind handles or otherwise concealed. You can also find a tool that looks a little bit like a spatula with a slot in it. The push pins go in the slot and you pry up.
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Joined: Sep 2013
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Hi, You said "tailgate" which to me means pick-up or is it the rear door of an SUV. Reson I ask, if it's P/U tailgate, dismantling lock/handle ect is really simple...
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Senior User
Joined: May 2013
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From: Salem, OR
It's an SUV, has auto locks and the key will only go about half way into the lock. I got the interior panel off so I'm going to pull the lock and button so I can see what's going on. I think the solenoid may be part of the problem since it doesn't work. Will see when she will let me have it for a day.
Thanks for the suggestions
Thanks for the suggestions
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