I think my tailgate lock actuator is shot. I am new at the whole fix-my- truck -myself thing, but I figured this would be a good place to start. To replace the actuator, I need to remove the interior panel (liner) on the tale gate. I poked around and removed the handle. The rest seems be be held on with hidden clips. I want to avoid cracking the liner and was wondering if there are any tips to getting out (insert a puddy knife in a certain spot and pry, utter special incantations over the gate)? Any feedback is appreciated.

 

Yes, the panels are held by clips. I've never had a problem with cracking a panel. Start at one corner and just pull the panel off. You can use a putty knife to get starte. You may want to wrap the putty knife if tape so you don't scratch the paint on the door.

Mason

 

What year is your explorer? Diffrent bodystyles have diffrent methods of removal. On several of the older bodystyles (pre 2001) if you start prying at the bottom you will break off the hooks that hold the panel in and there is no repair for that other than a new panel. If it is a 1999 as your profile shows pop a little oval cover in the middle of the panel right where the glass latch is and remove the phillips screw under there, then pull at the top of the panel above the rear glass there are 4 clips above the glass that will pop loose and another one on each side of the glass. After those are loose lift up on the panel and it will just lift right out. reverse to reinstall. good luck its a pretty easy job once you get started.