I have an older Caravan, 1990, that looks like the lift gate will be forever closed and locked unless I borrow a cutting torch from someone. I can hear the solenoid operate from the dash board switch. It sounds normal, or maybe a little louder than normal. If I lay on my belly I have a very narrow slot I can look through between the bottom of the inside trim piece and the top of the scuff plate. I can't see much inside due to darkness, (even with a focused pen light,) and having to look through such a narrow slot. I can see but not move the latch, with the maximum force I can apply to it with a punch and hammer. I can see but also not move the piece that has to move out of the way to let the latch unlatch. I was trying to push whatever the spring is attached to inside, both directions, to see if I could get anything to move. So far the only thing I've gotten to move was the spring itself as it flew off to unknown places deep insided the lift gate. I've been unable to feel anything inside with my finger.
With the help of an assistant, (wife) I can see something deep inside that does move when turning the key cylinder or pushing the dash button. I'm assuming it should be connected to something in the latch assembly and that link is broken.
The entire rear trim piece is one piece - around the speakers and up the sides around all sides of the rear window. I’ve removed the only 4 screws I can see in the closed the position, (two near the speakers and two holding the handle,) and with all the pulling force I dare to give it I haven't gotten any movement at all. There may be some kind of snap fasteners holding it on but I don't want to pull so hard to find out that I break the trim piece.
I would be very much obliged for any advice anyone can give.
Thanks,
Lee Westfall
San Jose, CA
[email protected]