Lift gate will not open

[gam888]

I have a 93 Villager. When I try to open the rear lift gate, the latch will release but I am only able to move the gate about 1/2 an inch. I cannot get the mechanism to fully release the latch. I have removed the inside panel and can see the latching mechanisms and have tried to manipulate them to open the gate. I CAN pop open the glass window/hatch by key or my moving the control arm in the door. Does anyone have any clues on how I should proceed?

Thanks

[William Jackson]

Originally Posted by gam888

I have a 93 Villager. When I try to open the rear lift gate, the latch will release but I am only able to move the gate about 1/2 an inch. I cannot get the mechanism to fully release the latch. I have removed the inside panel and can see the latching mechanisms and have tried to manipulate them to open the gate. I CAN pop open the glass window/hatch by key or my moving the control arm in the door. Does anyone have any clues on how I should proceed?

Thanks

I just developed the exact same problem on the same year Villager. Absolutely baffling. Very interested in any suggestions.

[IH8SPM]

Same here on a 97 but i found out that is the locking mechanism that needs to be lubricated and more than likely replaced cause the unlock function is not fully extending causing it to stick in the described manner.

[ethan00]

Originally Posted by gam888

I have a 93 Villager. When I try to open the rear lift gate, the latch will release but I am only able to move the gate about 1/2 an inch. I cannot get the mechanism to fully release the latch. I have removed the inside panel and can see the latching mechanisms and have tried to manipulate them to open the gate. I CAN pop open the glass window/hatch by key or my moving the control arm in the door. Does anyone have any clues on how I should proceed?

Thanks

You have to replace the latch on the gate. It is pretty easy once you figure out a way to open the liftgate ( that is the tricky part. It is gonna take a lil elbow grease and ALOT of patience. I would look at scrap yards for one if you can find one that works because a new one costs about 135.00 CDN.

[William Jackson]

to Ethan00: So how did you get it open?

[ethan00]

Originally Posted by William Jackson

to Ethan00: So how did you get it open?

Heh thats is where the tricky part comes in. Push the l;ift gate open as much as possible and take out the bolts that hold the latch on the door, they are 10 mm if i remember correctly. then you can use a screw driver and a pry bar ( and a lot of free time!) to pry and twist at the latch. If you work it a bit it will come loose just might take awhile is all.
Good luck! It will also be easier if you remove the plastic cover from inside so you dont damge it HAVE FUN!!!

[IH8SPM]

The rear cover can be removed with the door closed but you will need an extra set of hands. Start by removing the seats so you have room to work. Remove the lower light cover they are snap on and look up you will see the latch assy. once you get the plastic off.. You can also remove the screws and then tilt the door cover 35 degrees eachway and it will soon loosen as you pull it. Look at the latch and do the turning. Good luck and post back when it works