Yesterday, my wife went to open the rear lift gate of our 2004 Freestar and she ended up with the handle in her hand. The door didn't open and the handle pulled right out of the door. I was able to open the door by reaching in on hole with pliers and pulling on the tab. It looks like the tabs slid sideways and the hooks on the handle slipped off the tabs. Has anyone had this problem? It looks like I will have to take the panel off the door and see what's going on. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.[:@]

To replace the liftgate release handle, you'll need to remove the license plate mounting/housing, as well as the interior trim panel for the gate.. I can send you the info if needed..

Any info you could send me would be great, my email is malewis@nbpower.com
Thanks,

I have the same problem. The handle just came off. I took it by the dealership today and was told that something inside was probably broke and they had to order the entire handle assembly which would be $251. Then I'd have to payto paint the handle to match(about $50)because the new handle would be crome. And of course, I'd have to pay for the labor. But they weren't sure how long it would take since right now there is no way to open the door. They assumed they would have to do it from the inside by removing the inside panel but they haven't had this kind of repair before. They did comment that it might be possible to reuse the handle because they didn't think it was broken and then I would not have to pay to have the new one painted.

Is is possible that nothing is broken and that the handle just slipped off the hooks?

Yes, it is possible for the handle to come out without breaking anything.There is a shaft inside the rear lift gate that has hooks on it that engage in the two slots on the sides of the handle prongs. What happened to my handle is that this shaft slid sidways and allowed the handle to come off. To re-attach the handle, I removed thepanel on the rear lift gate and slid this shaft sideways to re-engage the hooks into the slots of the handle prongs. You have to do something to keep this shaftfrom sliding sideways tokeep this from happening again. I used a washer and avery small tack weld. Thanks to HAYAPOWER for the schematics and info! You can re-attach this handle without removing the inside panel byopening the small cover on the inside panel to access the lock. Through this hole, you can push on the hooks to re-engage them into the handle. This is easier once you have removed the panel once and know what you are looking at. Good Luck![8D]

I have had the same problem witht he liftgate handle. I went to open it and the handle came right off into my hands. No I am struggling trying to put it back in. If I come up with any ideas, I'll let you know. Please let me know if anyone has had any luck fixing it.

The same happened last night to me!!!! Please someone help! Please email directions to repair tocarebear3030@gmail.com.

Sent..

I am also having the same problem with my 2005 Freestar! The rear lift gate handle has come off. Nothing is broken. From the discussion, I must take off the rear panel to get to a place where I can correct the problem from the inside. Any directions on the removal of the panel would be helpful. Thanks

Could you please send this information to me: dnance@gerbercollision.com

Thank you!

This happened to me moments ago on my 2007 Freestar. Outer liftgate handle came off and liftgate would not open. User's manual said to remove small square cover inside liftgate over latch and push little rod to the right (Left if you have power lift gate I have power locks, manual liftgate.). What they didn't say was which little rod. The trick is that the first little rod you find that looks like it has been diconnected from a pushrod does nothing!

You can try feeling (looking with flashlight) for a steel cable wire (NOT electrical wire) and tug on it with your fingers to unlock the latch. If that fails you gotta find the little NYLON rod to the right rear of the cable latch tower just referenced a little sort of bent white nylon rod that has a sort of hole molded into the top side that also looks like it should be connected to a pushrod but isn't. Push the nylon rod to the right and that should unlock the door. Once the door is opened (maybe even before not sure) remove the trim. This is only two phillips screms on the trim panel and two 8mm hex screws on the inner grab handle. Remove these and pull toward you at the bottom ( couple of places on sides where trim panel snaps into body pull free with fingers). Shop manual says undo trim around window first, but I didn't; just use care reassembling and start the 8mm screws BEFORE the phillips screws when going back.

When trim panel is out of the way, you'll eventually find the bar that slid over to disengage the handle hooks, push it to the side and reinstall the old handle. Voila!

Took about ten minutes, and I'm old!

Ditto! No longer covered under my factory warranty. Not covered under my extended warranty and the dealer quoted $300 to fix. Can you please send any docs, schematics, advice to: rob_mabry@yahoo.com?

Thanks for the assistance.

This just happened to me as well. Can someone forward me the information or instructionsmentioned above. Hotdog3476@yahoo.com (Hotdog3476@yahoo.com)

ORIGINAL: Hayapower

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Hayapower, could you please send them to me as well? I have a 2005 Freestar and not only did the handle come off in my wifes hands, but the lifgate pistons are not keeping the lifgate up on there own anymore. I don't have the automatic lifgate, we have the manual one. The dealership told me that this would not be covered on our ESP premium warranty.

Thanks for any info you can send!

davidanderson.email@gmail.com

Sent..

Same problem. I understand what I need to do (I think), but I cn't get the plate behind the license plate off.

Anyhelp will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

JM

If it is not too much trouble, I am also interested in receiving the directions for reattaching this piece.

starrchilde @ insightbb.com

Thank you!

could i also bother you for the info. thanks
brene75@yahoo.ca

Same thing happened to us. Would you please send the info? Thanks so much! What a relief to know we won't have to take it in to get it fixed.

apkman@yahoo.com

Same problem here - please send info on fixing - eric@pateritech.com

With all these occurrences, you have to know this is a design defect.

I just had this happen to me....the liftgate handle came off in my hand and the rods that support the lifgate are shot and won't stay up. Anyone with an idea on how to fix the liftgate handle would be greatly appreciated! ;~) tpauls63@gmail.com

To replace the liftgate release handle, you'll need to remove the license plate mounting/housing, as well as the interior trim panel for the gate.. I can send you the info if needed..
Hayapower: I would also appreciate the information that you have regarding the correction for the liftgate handle issue. kevintball@sympatico.ca

Sent..

Could you send me the information as well? Squiggy23@hotmail.com.

While I do not have the same problem yet, my lift gate is stuck shut and would like to look at the information to determine how to remove the access on the inside rear of the door to open the door manually and repair the latch mechanism.

Thanks for the help.

I also need this information, if someone could send all the pertinent information to dgish@yahoo.com, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks in advance

Can someone please send me this information also my e-mail is fuzzy136@bellsouth.net Thanks in advance to anyone whom might help

Please anyone with the info about fixing the lift gate handle would be great. Please send it to me @ cjdesharnais@comcast.net it would be greatly appreciated I was quoted 500 to fix it.

Sent..

The same happened to me!!!! Please help! Can someone please email me the directions to repair (i'm getting tired of crawling in the back of the car to open the liftgate). Thanks in advance! email to nj8mom@aol.com

Add my name to the users with same issue, pls send the info on how to open panels, and repair problem. email address samhael@gmail.com thx!

I was quite shocked to be quoted $600.00 to repair. I'm so glad to find an alternative.
I would greatly appreciate the instructions! Thanks SO much!
Can it be sent via the forum 'send e-mail' function so my addy isn't public?
~Anne

Will you please send the information to me too...it just happened to us tonight. THanks! amberrost@yahoo.com

i got a great deal on some 33x14.5 r15 but only if i can get them to work
the front is hitting my rear front quarter panel, the bumper too but i can move that
so.... being i spent 700 on tires and rims i need to lift her as cheap as possible
will a 3" body lift work, please help or i will have to sell them

Any way to just post the instructions so 'we' aren't continually bothering you? :) May I also receive a copy of those instructions from someone? Many thanks! casaccio@yahoo.com

Could someone please email me the directions to fix my handle too. I would greatly appreciate it. My address is QUINNWEN@YAHOO.COM.

Thank you so much!!!!

Last summer my 2004 Freestar liftgate handle came off in my hands when I opened the door. I remember checking this forum for tips on how to resinstall it. I remember taking all the trim off the inside of the liftgate to re-seat the handle, and it's worked fine for about a year.

Now my liftgate is stuck closed, and when I pull on the handle nothing happens. Arghh! It's as if something is disconnected inside. And I'm not sure I can remove the interior trim with the liftgate closed.

Can somebody please send me the instructions that's talked about here? Thanks very much! peternelson@mac.com

Last summer my 2004 Freestar liftgate handle came off in my hands when I opened the door. I remember checking this forum for tips on how to resinstall it. I remember taking all the trim off the inside of the liftgate to re-seat the handle, and it's worked fine for about a year.

Now my liftgate is stuck closed, and when I pull on the handle nothing happens. Arghh! It's as if something is disconnected inside. And I'm not sure I can remove the interior trim with the liftgate closed.

Can somebody please send me the instructions that's talked about here? Thanks very much! peternelson@mac.com


I figured it out - the lock was apparently jammed shut. By taking off the little access door on the inside panel, I was able to flip the lever to unlock the door, and then I was able to open liftgate using the handle outside.

Once I got the liftgate opened up, I took off the interior trim and saw that the lock mechanism looked pretty corroded. I lubed it up with some silicone spray - hopefully I'll get another year out of this lock...

Hayapower, please send me your freestar liftgate solution info.
Thanks so much!

Email is macrobass@charter.net for solution info on freestar liftgate reattatchment.

Help! We are having the same problem. Took off the license plate and removed screws, also the screws in interior panel. However, neither pulls off easily and we're afraid of breaking it... Anyone have detailed instructions on how to remove panels and reinstall the liftgate handle??

Having the same problem with our freestar! ANyone have specific instructions? The panels do not easily pull off after removing screws and we are leary of breaking off any clips. Also, need detailed instructions on how to reinstall the handle. Thanks!

If possible, could you send the information to me also? The handle came off on my wife at Walmart. Thepitts@nni.com

Thank you

HAYAPOWER, can you please send me the schematic info too? krr@pobox.com. Thanks, mine came off in my hand yesterday.

I have the same issue, can I please get the info as well, much appreciated randalb_34@hotmail.com

My liftgate handle come off while on vacation. Please send to: 1337r3bl@gmail.com Thanks!!

I have an 04 Freestar and am having the same handle problem. Could someone send instructions or advise. Any help would greatly be appreciated.

Dean
dworley@kett-tool.com

Thanks for the tip...I tried it, but unfortunately nothing changed. I also was notified by a friend that the email they sent to that account today bounced back. It was my main email addy so this is not looking good...:o
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To replace the liftgate release handle, you'll need to remove the license plate mounting/housing, as well as the interior trim panel for the gate.. I can send you the info if needed..

Hi There,I have a similiar challenge with my liftgate--I pull on the handle and it moves, but the gate will not open. I try unlock/lock the door and still no movement from the gate. The handle pulls out freely, but something inside is either jammed or broken. I am wondering if I pop the inside panel, if I can replace the mechanism and get it working again myself. Thanks for any help/suggestions!

Welcome to the site..

Sent the info..

hi, my wifes 2004 ford freestar back latch broken, it still moves but wont open the trunk its stuck shut, can you please send me the info @ mrksloan@hotmail.com, thanks.

I would appreciate any info / schematics on how to get at the inside of the rear lift gate panel as my door is stuck shut. The handle moves but does not open the door (manual lift) and the keyfob does not unlock the door either. Thanks. Please email me at lallenback@gmail.com.

Welcome to the site..
Sent some info..

Rear door handle came off yesterday.
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks

Sent...

hey can you send me that info, at mrksloan@hotmail.com

I would like the info too please to fix my door handle on 04 freestar please send to anneevick@gmail.com thankyou so much

Welcome to the site..

Sent.

Please help me find a solution and step by step instruction to fix the 2004 Freestar door latch. It happened during this winter season.

I also have a 2004 Freestar with the problem that the latch on my liftgate pulls out but the door does not open.

I would love the instructions to fixing this problem, please. My e-mail is: midwessm@mts.net

Thank you very much!

D.

P.S. I thought it was amusing that one of my captcha words for registering at the site was "lockable".

Welcome to the site..

Hope it helps..

I had the same problem with my rear hatch, until the handle came out. Now I have a broken handle with no way to open the rear hatch. Could you email me the information on the assembly of the mechanism and how to fix it at hlroof@hotmail.com. Thanks.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, could you send me the information also?email is dchadima@neo.rr.com. I have run into the same problem as you guys. Thank you

Sent,, not a problem, and Welcome to the site..

I also have the same problem. If someone can send me the details, that would be appreciated.
Is Ford not taking his responsability in it?!? Considering the numbers, it seems to me that it is a construction default...
Cyrano

Can someone put the files on a website so the next people with the same problem can easily access the information?!?

Please allow me to join the club. I still have the handle attached but the lift gate will not open. May I have the information that you have been sending out to previous posters?
dwtsmith665@hotmail.com

Thanks.