Stuck Tailgate 87 Suburban

KeySub · #1 08-16-2006, 09:25 PM

Hi Everyone!
New to this Great Forum!

Was using my old faithful 1987 3/4 ton 454 Suburban for a 900 mile house move/hauling job at the weekend which it completed in style!

When I got home, the tailgate is stuck up... the inside latch pulls but only releases on the passenger side... drive side is stuck.
How do I get it open?

Also, a few months ago the rear window stopped lowering from the tailgate key... any ideas how to fix it?
Thanks in advance!

idmetro · #2 08-17-2006, 11:28 AM

Welcome to AF! I suspect the control arm on the drivers side has broken or become disconnected. You will have to pull the cover and take a look. Here is a link to the LMC truck catalog showing the inner workings of the tailgate to give you an idea of what you are looking for.
http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/csb/t32.html

KeySub · #3 08-17-2006, 11:50 PM

Thanks IDMetro!
You were right... I took off the trim and the steel panel and the rod had popped off... so I just put it back... I think I slammed the gate too hard.

I could not even see the inside of the outer lock... any ideas on why the key wont work the window from outside? This is unrelated to the other prob... it stopped working a few months ago.

Old Dave · #4 08-18-2006, 02:53 PM

There is a switch on the right side that is not making contact or the wires have come off. I'm not sure how you would get to it if you cannot put the window down. The one on my 86 gave me problems but it was always when the window was down and would not go back up with either the key switch or the dash switch. If you could get the window down, open the tailgate and look inside where it latches on the right side. There is a silver metal case switch with a metal plunger on it that has to close when the tailgate is closed for the window to operate. I used some contact cleaner on mine that was safe for plastics and it fixed it right up. The switch is a safety thing so you cannot put the window up if the tailgate isn't shut. Good luck...

idmetro · #5 08-19-2006, 11:10 PM

I too have an 86 with the same switch Old Dave mentions and while I've not had any trouble with it yet (unless I fail to shut the tailgate firmly) judging from its location in the passenger side back pillar I think it should be accessable by removing the trim panel on that portion of the cargo area.http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/csb/0149.html

KeySub · #6 08-20-2006, 01:52 PM

Thanks for the help Guys...
Maybe I was not clear with my window problem...
The window goes up and down fine from the switch on the dash, but stopped working from the key on the tailgate. I worked before and now it stopped, so I have to put on the ignition and hit the rocker switch on the dash to drop the glass. Bit of a pain, but no the end of the world.
Just could not see how it worked because the whole thing is hidden from view behind the window mechanism inside the tailgate.
Does that explain it better?

idmetro · #7 08-21-2006, 09:15 AM

I haven't had this problem. If you remove the trim panel can you access the backside of the key mechanism with the tailgate up and the window rolled up? If so you could get in there with a multimeter and check for voltage. You might get lucky and find its just a broken/disconnected wire.

KeySub · #8 08-21-2006, 09:52 AM

Thanks IDMetro.
When I took off the panels you cannot even see the back of the lock, its hidden hugely by the lift mech of the rear window. I could try to put up the rear window, but I dont think it would give me access as the lift assy pivots from the center and doesnt move, just rotates. I guess you have to take out all of the rear window assy to get at it... what a PITA!

idmetro · #9 08-22-2006, 08:57 AM

Then it might be worth a trip to a local wrecking yard to see if they have one (regardless of condition) that you could look at. There is a u-pull it yard near me that I have frequented so i could see how things went together/came apart without having to practice on my own rig. Just tell them you are looking for the key switch and see what they have. Many times they have people who have pulled apart your same model vehicle and can give you helpful clues.

Johncarlton · #10 05-25-2008, 02:55 PM

My first posting on here; I didn't know where else on here to inquire about this problem. Similar to above~~3 years ago postings. My 1978 3/4 ton Suburban, that I've had since new, is giving me problem(s) at the tailgate power window. I've had problem(s) with it in years gone by ~~ not going up~down~or sticking~etc.~once the motor quit; replaced it. Always in the past, I hired it done; now I fix all my stuff myself. I've been on XS11.com forum for 6 years; username there is oldnortonrider.

The back window will power down, but not back up. It's not stuck. I'm thinking maybe a bad connector in tailgate or at the motor. I've removed the large cover panel that's held by many screws. I've known that it's been quite dry in there, and needed to be accessed and lubed~~oiled up. How do I get the glass up so I can get to work in there?

Couldn't find much on a search. This thread was about it. ?Anybody out there, familiar with this problem?

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