Well, I just learned that the Aerostar developed a Cracked head....5 years ago and it still runs today!!

Anyways, We are havin problems closing the tailgate. Clos it normally but it does not latch firmly, just sits there and rattles if van is driven. If you use excessive force, it does latch shut and no problems. However I am concerned that closing the tailgate hard is not good for the health of the van!!

So any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

 

The hatch latch is crying out for a lube job. If you have the proper torx bits (and don't break off the bolts), you can remove the latch from the hatch. You will have to remove the lower inner panel to disconnect the linkage. When the latch is partway out of the hole you can unplug the switch. The latch will then come completely out with the actuating rod attached.

Remove the small bolt and separate the switch from the latch body. A can of carb cleaner will do a nice job of flushing out all the old lube from the latch. Make sure everything operates smooth & free & relube it with white moly grease. The aerosol grease works very well for this. Make sure you hit the pivot point on the actuating lever. This is one point you can't lube by spraying grease into the latch while it is mounted in the hatch. In my case, this pivot point is also the prime culprit when the latch starts sticking (hatch just bounces when you try to close it).

Now take a look at the switch. Clean all the gunk off the little plunger button and make sure it moves freely. A sticky plunger can lead to the interior lights flickering when you hit bumps or just plain staying on all the time.

Put it all back together and have a beer or five to celebrate a job well done and money saved.

My van seems to require this hatch latch service about once a year. I just had to do it again yesterday, but I didn't get a chance to have the beer. Drat!

Good luck.

Cheers,
Eric