2002 Explorer Tailgate Problem

[tm95gt50]

Have had a problem since the car was almost new - recently it is getting much worse. If I hit a bumpy stretch of road, or a big pot-hole, the lift gate (just the glass part, not the full tailgate) releases. This causes the dummy light to come on, the bells to chime, my interior lights to flash, locks to start clicking. The thing never opens fully on it's own, but you have to get out and slam it shut. Ford denies any knowledge of this issue as being widespread, and have not been able to duplicate the problem, so don't know what is causing it? Anyone else have or heard of this?

[mabulok]

There's a spring in the latch that keeps the mechanism latched. Open the window and peek in there with a flashlight. Maybe it's broken, not attached, or just worn out. Or...the latch is misaligned and not making good contact when closed. It's not a very complicated setup. Any competent service technician should be able to fix it. If it's out of warranty, you can tackle it yourself.

[Eddie B]

Originally Posted by tm95gt50

Have had a problem since the car was almost new - recently it is getting much worse. If I hit a bumpy stretch of road, or a big pot-hole, the lift gate (just the glass part, not the full tailgate) releases. This causes the dummy light to come on, the bells to chime, my interior lights to flash, locks to start clicking. The thing never opens fully on it's own, but you have to get out and slam it shut. Ford denies any knowledge of this issue as being widespread, and have not been able to duplicate the problem, so don't know what is causing it? Anyone else have or heard of this?

I've encountered similar problem with window popping open while driving. No resolution yet. Wonder if this is related in any way to cracking problem which has TSB. Would that correction fix the pop opening of liftgate window problem?

[yotermanic]

Not related, but just a FYI-the cracking problem is now a recall. It can be a doozie if you have beauty bolts in your glass so call for an appointment before getting the repair.