The Liftgate handle let go and the liftgate is in the down position. I tried taking the lisence plate lights off to see if i could get to the handle and i found that a small yellow plastic clamp hd let go. I can fix it if i can get the liftgate open. does anyone have any idea on how to get it open.

Thanks
Capewave

 

I just went thu this with a 03 Explorer, don't know if yours is the same maybe this will help.

open the rear window, push the plastic trim away from the tailgate to expose the latch arms going out to the latches. Use a screw driver and pry both sideways.

Sounds confusing but you will see after the trim is out of the way.

 

Will The Trim Come Off Even If The Door Is Down?

 

Not all the way, but enough to get to the things I described above. I was a bit hessitant at first but gave it a good shove and it popped off.

BTW: are these two truck about the same?

 

close enough, I talked to the ford Service tech and he said the same thing . You have to take the panel off. It is held on with clips but you have to remember to take the strap on the in side off because that screws into the door . I am going to give it a try tommorrow and I will let you know. What a pain. Why would they make clamps out of plastic?

 

Those plastic clamps are used in many places and by other manufacturers. For the mosr part they hold up quite well.

When you get yours apart you'll notice how close it is to another non moving part. When the plastic clip gets a bit worn it turns sideways and crashes into the non-moving part. Really bad design IMO.

BTW: I went to the stealership and found that you can buy just the clip. Usually you need to buy the entire Lock Assy (or whatever it may be) = $$$.

$3 and some change for the clip.