96 Tailgate Latch Switch

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Dec 6, 2004 | 11:25 AM

wildboar

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96 Tailgate Latch Switch

My tailgate window won't go down. I've traced the problem to what looks like the latch switch on the gate. I can't find the part anywhere, can someone help?

Dec 6, 2004 | 12:53 PM

BillyBob69

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From: Wheatland, Mo

There are alot of items that can cause your prob. If you know that it is the switch, then try www.broncograveyard.com.
Otherwise, what have you checked to get to the thought that its the switch?

Might even try some dealers to see if they have any in their N.O.S.

Dec 6, 2004 | 01:28 PM

wildboar

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Typical problem, the rear window won't go down. Neither the dash switch or key switch worked. I check the fuse, all good. I pulled the dash switch out and checked it, all good. I pulled the tailgate interior access panel off and unhooked the motor connector, then checked for voltage via the dash switch, no good. I pulled the connector under the bumper (outside the vehicle) and checked for voltage via the dash switch, all good. I reconnected the bumper connector, went back into the tailgate, and check the key switch for voltage, no good. I check the dash rear defrost circuit, no good. I disconnected the tailgate switch and rechecked the key switch voltage, (down I think), all good. I jumped the tailgate switch connector and checked the key switch up voltage, all good. I checked the dash switch in the same manner, all good. I then disconnected the talegate switch jumper and check the defroster, all good!

Any thoughts?

Pat

Dec 6, 2004 | 01:38 PM

BillyBob69

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From: Wheatland, Mo

Wow...Nice troubleshooting. Yes it does sound like its the tailgate switch, (that is if you mean the safety switch nest to the latch on the drivers side.) That is a common prob for the tailgates. Also. broken wires in the wiring harness that runs along the drivers side of the tailgate is another common prob. Check those two. Now one thing I am curious about, when you get the window down, does it go back up normally with nothing jumped and the tailgate closed? If not then it could even be the little plastic bushing on the strike bolt. If the tailgate isn't closed completely, or the bushing is gone, it will make the safety switch think that the tailgate is still open and wont allow power to get to the motor.

Dec 6, 2004 | 01:48 PM

wildboar

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I haven't had the ***** to lower the window, as its 28F outside. I thought I'd order the switch first, then lower the window...kinda try to put the odds in my favor. Regarding the strike bolt, can you direct me as to where it is?

Dec 6, 2004 | 01:55 PM

BillyBob69

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From: Wheatland, Mo

Its the blot looking deal with a flat head that uses a torx to remove it. It sticks out of the fender towards the tailgate. It is what the tailgate latches to. Should be a thin plastic bushing on it.

Dec 7, 2004 | 06:18 PM

wildboar

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Switch Price

I got a quote from the broncograveyard...they say I need to purchase the entire harness for $140.00; how stupid is that? $140 to get a $20 switch. Anyone have another source?

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Dec 7, 2004 | 06:49 PM

sfitzgerald351

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I had a similar problem. Check to see if the wires from the switch have been worn through where the harness goes through the tailgate and into the truck. Also check the ground on the switch. I ended up running a new ground from the switch to one of the tailgate access panel screws to solve most of my problems. Also just push on the left top part of the tailgate (trying to push the tailgate in). My tailgate (after rusting with 186,000 miles on it) doesn't always align and the switch is really sensitive. Sometimes I just need to give it a little push while turning the key to get it to work. You can also jump the switch so the window will always go up and down regardless of the tailgate position. I don't know about you but my tailgate is either up or down and when it's down I'm not likely to be trying to use the window so I personally think this switch is more of a pain than it's worth.