86 fullsize bronco: tailgate wont open

[Ree86bronco302]

I just purchased my 86 (fullsize 302 efi) and know little about it other than what I have done to the engine. I cannot get my tailgate to open. It looks like it is opened with a door popper but I don't know how to open it. I was told that the tailgate window motor was shot. If this is the problem, where is the motor and how do I fix it?

Any suggestions would be very appreciated.

[nastybronco]

Originally Posted by Ree86bronco302

I just purchased my 86 (fullsize 302 efi) and know little about it other than what I have done to the engine. I cannot get my tailgate to open. It looks like it is opened with a door popper but I don't know how to open it. I was told that the tailgate window motor was shot. If this is the problem, where is the motor and how do I fix it?

Any suggestions would be very appreciated.

You must take the hatch off the inside of the tailgate (several small sheet metal screws), carefully, on the bottom there are slides that the glass sits in. there should be one on each side (two). there are 2 screws in each. remove them. this will allow you to remove the glass from thetailgate with some work. the motor is on the top midlle part of your tailgate. i believe there are 3 screws holding it on. careful as when you remove the motor, the scissor arms will snap back at you. block these with a peice of wood. there is a switch on the driver side of the tailgate. it is suppose to protect the window from being opened when the tailgate is down. check this switch first if possible.

good luck. i did this on an 87 which is the same during the winter months.

[bronc]

if the window is in the raised position the door won't open.If this is the problem remove the inside shield and expose the two wires wrapped in black tape.cafefully cut or splice into each wire and use a spare battery to engage the window motor .If the window is down but the tailgate won't still remove the inside shield an locate the release arms on each side carefully.