97 Explorer Rear Tailgate Problem
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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97 Explorer Rear Tailgate Problem
I am having problems with my rear tailgate on my explorer. The window wroks fine but the door itself closes and latches on the pass. side but not on the driver side. It closes but does not latch and therefore also does not allow the dome light to shut off or the open door warning light. The door also does not stay open on its own. I have to hold the tailgate door open or it just drops. Is my problem as simple as replacing the tailgate door shocks?
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 392
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From: Las Vegas, NV
You actually have two seperate problems.
First, the pressurized lifts you call shocks are bad and need to be replaced. Only one side might be bad, causing the door to fall because it takes both to hold the heavy door. I tried to find the right parts at an auto parts store (even a failed special order) but gave up and went to the dealer that had them in stock. Turns out they charged me less than at the discount auto parts store.
The latching problem is probably a broken spring or a worn latch member. You will need to take the door apart and replace to fix. If you can't find a spring at a parts store or online, one can be obtained from an industrial supply store, just try to find one with a similar spring constant. The whole latch can be obtained from a junk yard or an online auction like eBay.
First, the pressurized lifts you call shocks are bad and need to be replaced. Only one side might be bad, causing the door to fall because it takes both to hold the heavy door. I tried to find the right parts at an auto parts store (even a failed special order) but gave up and went to the dealer that had them in stock. Turns out they charged me less than at the discount auto parts store.
The latching problem is probably a broken spring or a worn latch member. You will need to take the door apart and replace to fix. If you can't find a spring at a parts store or online, one can be obtained from an industrial supply store, just try to find one with a similar spring constant. The whole latch can be obtained from a junk yard or an online auction like eBay.
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