Gate- NON ELECTRICAL

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Dec 22, 2004 | 10:00 AM

bjbmoglo

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Gate- NON ELECTRICAL

Promise- I have read many of the listed topics on gates. They were actually really helpful (greystrk, BigBronco, and the rest of the crew). I used the battery to jump the wires and get the glass (half down). But when I did i noticed that i really didnt have to use the handle to get the gate down. Neither of the latches work, and nothing seems to be moving when I pull on the handle. It all doesnt look to hard to replace but, as I am a novice, I am really not even sure what to ask for. I figure both latches need to be replaced and when I do that I will permanantly jump the tan (according to wiring diagram this is the latch "sensor") wire. But what about all the other rods in there? Also since I did cut some wires what kind of wire should I replace with? Everything is pretty well rusted, but the motor seems to be okay. So what exactly do I need? I figure this is worth doing- right?
Thanks in advance!

Dec 22, 2004 | 11:27 AM

MinnManBroncoFan

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From: Richfield MN

Take the panel off and when you pull the handle are the levers moving ?
If the levers move close the latches by hand and try the handle to see if latches pop open.
If the latches are hard to close by hand they need some WD40.
Is the handle bent way up all the time ?
Thats a sign levers are fubar.you will have to bend them back.
People pull on that handle when window isnt down all the way.
Bending the crap out of handle lever.

Dec 22, 2004 | 12:53 PM

ubermich

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Or: if you get the panel off and pull the rods and the latches open, but pull the handle and nothing moves... I *think* you just need the $1.50 clips from JBG. That's my problem, asked for em for christmas with my tailgate weatherstrip...

Edit: $1 linkage (no pun intended): http://broncograveyard.com/products/cat/20/82/34534

maybe someone can confirm that's what connects the rod on the handle to the assembly that moves the horizontal rods to open the latches? Right now I just leave the access panel off and pull both rods inward to open mine

Last edited by ubermich; Dec 22, 2004 at 12:56 PM.

Dec 23, 2004 | 09:07 AM

BroncoWY

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Or you could go to your local dealer to get the clips and not wait for shipping. The safety switch is on the drivers side latch and has two contacts, you could easily fab a jumper to bypass that. But I've never had trouble with that switch. Try lubing the latches as suggested above to free them up, and then bypass the safety switch if necessary. Those clips are in HELP section at local autoparts too.

Another thing you could try is the dash switch, it can be intermittent and seem like a motor or safety switch is bad. It can also make the tailgate switch inoperative. Also available from your local dealer for $20. So it could still be electrical, been there, done that!

Good luck

http://www.off-road.com/ford/bigbron...ire/index.html

Dec 23, 2004 | 10:34 AM

bjbmoglo

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broncoWY-

I will try cleaning and lubing the latches, but I think the problem is that the handle on the gate does nothing. I pull it and nothing moves. The latches are old and I will likely replace them. Any tips on that?

Dec 23, 2004 | 10:59 AM

Montana Mark

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From: Great falls, Montana

You said the glass was half way down? When the glass is all the way down, it pulls a rod that allows the latch to work (safety feature). Look near the bottom inside center of the tailgate, you should see a rod with a hook end on it. If you pull it down, your your tailgate latch should work. I'd try it before you start replacing things.

Mark

Dec 23, 2004 | 11:14 AM

dwoodler

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Joined: Dec 2004

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From: Edmonton, Alberta

I agree with Mark. The latches themselves usually don't wear out. It's the cheap $1 clip that goes. I'd unhook the lateral rod that go out the latches on each side and then check the action of the handle. Then try actioning each latch individually by hand checking them. They are spring loaded so you manually close them then they *pop* open when the rod is pulled. *IF* it is the latches. They are just actached with a couple of Phillips head screws from the side where you can see the latch. You should probably replace the nylon/plastic clip on the end of the rod at the same time.