Back Hatch
#2
07-09-2012 | 11:49 AM
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1
There are 2 problems with the rear hatch opening
one is where the outside mechanical handle does not open perhaps because the lock assembly solenoid will not unlock it or its broken.
The handle pulls a cable on the inside attached to the latch.
if it is always locked the handle will not open the lock assy.
there is a tiny access panel and metal levers that may be very hard to move. I removed 4 screws, 2 with a hex nutdriver in the handle and 2 with a phillips screw driver.
Then firmly grasp the inside top plastic cover and pull aggressively.
both covers snap in place so replacing is not hard.
Then firmly grip the lower plastic cover and aggressively pull it towards you. if the lock assembly $170 can plus tax from ford has a dead solenoid then you need first to force the lock into unlocked mode.
Then using longpoint pliers force the lock assembly to open.
2 seperate operations. the handle will guide you to the open lever.
The lock assembly corrodes and dealer likely has stock.
The lock is held in place by 3 torx screws accessable only when open.
have faith in the reassembly and dont bother trying to reuse the old lock.
2 electrical connections. one for the solenoid and the other tells the
freestar that the rear hatch is unlocked (door ajar)
one is where the outside mechanical handle does not open perhaps because the lock assembly solenoid will not unlock it or its broken.
The handle pulls a cable on the inside attached to the latch.
if it is always locked the handle will not open the lock assy.
there is a tiny access panel and metal levers that may be very hard to move. I removed 4 screws, 2 with a hex nutdriver in the handle and 2 with a phillips screw driver.
Then firmly grasp the inside top plastic cover and pull aggressively.
both covers snap in place so replacing is not hard.
Then firmly grip the lower plastic cover and aggressively pull it towards you. if the lock assembly $170 can plus tax from ford has a dead solenoid then you need first to force the lock into unlocked mode.
Then using longpoint pliers force the lock assembly to open.
2 seperate operations. the handle will guide you to the open lever.
The lock assembly corrodes and dealer likely has stock.
The lock is held in place by 3 torx screws accessable only when open.
have faith in the reassembly and dont bother trying to reuse the old lock.
2 electrical connections. one for the solenoid and the other tells the
freestar that the rear hatch is unlocked (door ajar)
#3
07-23-2012 | 12:36 PM
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2
2006 Freestar rear tail handle
I went to open my tailgate yesterday and all I got was the handle in my hand. I figured out how to get it open withouth the handle by using a pair of needle nose pliers. Now the big question is; How do I put the handle back in and keep it there? Any help? I sure do need it! A picture is worth a thousand words to me anyone have any drawlings of this tailgate workings? Thanks you in advance.
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