Liftgate won't unlock

[coward3]

The liftgate of 1999 Caravan is shut and locked. It won't unlock with the key or the remote. The powerlock motor is trying I guess because it is making a noise ( brrrrr etc.) for a couple seconds. How do you access the locking mechanism. Seems like you have to have the door open to remove the panel or am I wrong?

[tazman]

My mother's 2000 did the same thing. I had to climb into the back of the van and use a flat head screwdriver to pop the latch open at the scuff plate. I found that the internal latch was bent and damaged from contiuous hard closing by my mother and her foster kids. I replaced the latch, $45.00 at the dealership, and it's now working fine. If you can't pop the lift-gate open at the latch try prying back the panel near the window and reaching in with your hand. Grab the metal rod connected to the latch and pull hard to make it release. Hope this helps.

[coward3]

I don't think that will work, since the latch is locked and can't be unlocked. There is a small, quarter sized access hole that I was able to use as follows...

I removed the access plug. There is a water/debris sheild that covers the mechanism. You have to tear this to access the latch rod. Of course the latch rod won't move because the door is locked. The lock prevents the latch rod from moving,so you have to disconnect the latch rod (which is held from moving by the lock mechanism) from the spring clip. Once that's done you can actuate the latch with the push of a screw diver. The problem with the lock can be addressed after the trim panel is removed (screws accessable with door open only). With the screws removed i now have encountered the retaining "clips" or whatever you call them. I don't know how these work. They appear to be tighter than any I'm familiar with. Do these require a special tool or handling? I don't want to beak one.


Thanks

[snoarboar]

I have the same problem w/my 99 Grand Voyager. Did you get it open? If so, were you able to find and repair the problem? Any info appreciated.


Thanks

[coward3]

I got real busy and haven't got it repaired yet. I got as far as unplugging the lock motor so that I wouldn't hear that anoying noise when it tried to lock every time I reached 10 MPH etc. I need to buy a trim tool to get the panel all they way off to get any further. The weather has been cold and that plastic panel is awful brittle when cold, so I'll get the tool and wait for a warm-up. If you get further than me let me know what happens.

[James L. Snider]

Had exactly same problem. there is an access hole on the inside on the rear hatch center behind the lock assy. I used a screw driver to pry the acuating rod lose from the latch assy, it just snaps in place and prys stright back after that is loose with your finger in the hole feel around you will find a bar running across the hole press down on the left side will release the door and it will open. The remove all the screws are there are two on top behind the light assy. cover the you can pull the plactic cover off. on the right side there is the lock acutator atached to a metal rod. when removed I found that then end cap had busted off and I understand the the actuators a cheap from the dealer. I did try to glue it back togather put there's to much force being applyed. If your like me when you got the hatch open you found someting between where the hatch closed the caused extra resistance that cause the lock actuator to break the part number on my actuator is 4675782G hope this helps and good luck. Can upload pictures if there wanted?.

Picture added to gallery. Good luck to all.

After removing the locking rod and pressing on the rleft side of the lever to release the hatch, remove the locking actuator and reinstall the locking rod and you can use the outside key lock untill you can replace the acuator.

[snoarboar]

Please send pictures if you can. I am particularily interested in the acuator where it connects to the metal rod. Thanks, these will be very helpful I think.

[James L. Snider]

Bought the replacement actuator from the dealer, they seem to be the soal source. the cost was $26.00 plus tax. Hope this helps hope the picture helped it's in the original post gallery.

[C Hopper]

I have followed your info. I now can open the door from the inside. My question.....can I just remove all the screws and then force/pull the panel off to access the lock assy? Also do you just work through hole below the lock or remove the assy for that also? Pictures would help a lot. THANKS!

[James L. Snider]

Remove all the screws including the one behind the top light. the pannel will pull off by hand there are the two enterior lights that need to be discounted they also pull off this will allow the whole pannel to be remove te rest is athe same as the previous post sorry put mines full operational now so no picture with out taking it apart again. An I dont know about you put I have a had time taking it back apart when the wife see that it works? a a a a a file on a may a a a

[Lee W]

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]

[jmyii]

Thanks for these instructions - they were perfect and got my lift gate open. I just unsnapped the the two clips that were holding the dress panel on.

Now I still can't figure out how to disengage the rear key lock, since it won't turn at all and something's preventing the automatic door lock from moving as well.

[tazwelch]

Originally Posted by James L. Snider

Had exactly same problem. there is an access hole on the inside on the rear hatch center behind the lock assy. I used a screw driver to pry the acuating rod lose from the latch assy, it just snaps in place and prys stright back after that is loose with your finger in the hole feel around you will find a bar running across the hole press down on the left side will release the door and it will open. The remove all the screws are there are two on top behind the light assy. cover the you can pull the plactic cover off. on the right side there is the lock acutator atached to a metal rod. when removed I found that then end cap had busted off and I understand the the actuators a cheap from the dealer. I did try to glue it back togather put there's to much force being applyed. If your like me when you got the hatch open you found someting between where the hatch closed the caused extra resistance that cause the lock actuator to break the part number on my actuator is 4675782G hope this helps and good luck. Can upload pictures if there wanted?.

Picture added to gallery. Good luck to all.

After removing the locking rod and pressing on the rleft side of the lever to release the hatch, remove the locking actuator and reinstall the locking rod and you can use the outside key lock untill you can replace the acuator.

Where can I see these pictures?