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Posted on Jan 25, 2009

2002 ford escape liftgate wont lock/unlock

My 2002 ford escape liftgate is not locking and or unlocking even when i press lock for all doors. what could be the problem? thanks

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  • vinsky1215 Jan 25, 2009

    yeah ive checked the fuses and they seem fine besides all doors uses only 1 fuse and only the liftgate and liftgate glass is not working and or intermittent. sometimes works, sometimes not but most of the time its not working...

  • FordEscape03 Feb 18, 2009

    2003 Ford Escape. Intermittent, sometimes works, sometimes not...I thought it needed to be lubricated or something, but you're right its not getting any power, because i dont even hear it lock and unlock with the rest of the doors! Any help guys is much appreciated. Thanks

  • Anonymous Feb 24, 2009

    same year same problem

  • Anonymous Mar 03, 2009

    It works some time and and than all of the sudden not.
    It may be happy in the sunny weather .. looks likeĀ 
    electrical problem.... bad contact.

  • Anonymous Apr 25, 2009

    I have the same problem. For no reason my liftgate won't lock/unlock and then for no reason it will start working again. I've had this problem since I bought the care 5 years. Is there a way to reset the system.

  • MarlanaUSMC May 03, 2009

    Same year...same problem. Mysteriously begins to work just when I have given up on it. Mysteriously quits working when I need it most! Like tonight, when I have two 12' 1x6 in there that I slid through the back glass and up to the front floorboard. Now I can't get them out...grrrr.....

  • Anonymous May 17, 2009

    so, most of the case just need to replace the motor actuator? they do get busted with all the cases?

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  • Posted on May 10, 2009
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Had same problem on Ford Escape, Could not unlock the rear liftgate or window, if you can open you are in better luck.
If it is locked and closed, you will have to pull the top portion of the plastic trim away from the liftgate, it is held in place by metal retaining clips on top, and four screws on the bottom, if you can open, remove the screws then remove the rest of the panel, if unable, pull the top of the panel just far enough to reach in and unlock the liftgate.
Once you have the gate open and the panel off, you will see the locking actuator connected to the electrical connetion, it is a little bit smaller then a pack of cigarettes with a black lever.

To remove you will need to remove the two outter 10mm nuts holding the "brass" colored assembly, you will probably have to disconnect the two lever connections to get to the back side of the brass assembly, once this is done, you can use a T-20 torx to remove the locking actuator, part number stamped on my part was 4510 5424 made by KIEKERT although a search of this part didnt give me any good results, anyway, that was the cause of my problem, once replace and all put back together everything worked fine.

  • wsomcher Jun 09, 2011

    Yes, that's exactly the problem. I've replaced mine TWICE, and in both cases it was the actuator. Replacement actuator at Princess Auto was $4.99, or ~$20 on Ebay.

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  • Posted on Mar 31, 2010
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Yea same problem here had to pull the panel off to open the gate, not to much trouble. Dealer wanted $180 for a new actuator found one on Ebay for $60. Item # was 220575120836.

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  • Posted on Jan 25, 2009
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Either the motor that locks it is not working or some mice might have chewed some wires or something. first you will want to see if you have power going to the lock under the panel if yuou do then your lock motor is bad and needs replaced if you dont have power you need to check fuses if that still dont work u need to find out where your power stops at

  • Anonymous Jan 25, 2009

    ok your connections in the door panel of your lift gate my have came loose and when you hit a bump it may give it enough contact for it to work sometimes you will need to make sure all connections are getting a good contact

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  • Posted on Aug 11, 2011
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To open locked tail gate ,climb in side,bring flash light narrow stright scewdriver,drivers side of latch (lower /bottom of gate) you will see a small gap almost square insert scewdriver with blade up/down push firmaly (easey) twist wile light push on gate when open inter panel is easy to remove replace lock/actuator it works old man

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1999 blazer Doors lock and unlock even when parked, help

Lock an unlock by them selves ? Door locks are computer controlled ,by the BCM - body control module .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Power Door Locks Circuit Description
The power door lock system includes the following components:
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ā€¢ A door lock relay
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ā€¢ A driver door unlock relay
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ā€¢ The body control module (BCM)
ā€¢ The endgate lock cylinder switch /liftgate lock cylinder switch (utility)
ā€¢ The keyless entry, if equipped
The door lock and liftgate mechanisms may be controlled by the following switches:
ā€¢ The door lock and side window switches
ā€¢ The BCM
ā€¢ The endgate lock cylinder switch / liftgate lock cylinder switch (utility)
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The following locking functions are included on the vehicle:
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You have a bad switch input to the BCM !
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I just bought an equinox 2005 LS and I dont know how to lock the rear door.

To unlock the liftgate, press the unlock button on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter twice or use the power door lock switch.
To lock the liftgate, press the lock button on the RKE transmitter or use the power door lock switch. The liftgate does not have a key lock cylinder.
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Need to reprogram key less entry. 2002 Ford explorer sport.

Keyless Entry Keypad FAQ Ford Explorer
The keypad can be operated with the factory set 5-digit entry code
You can use the keyless entry keypad to
  • Lock or unlock the doors without using a key.
  • Open the liftgate window.
  • Activate or deactivate the autolock feature.

Where the code can be found
  • This code is located on the owner's wallet card in the glove box
  • Is available from your authorized dealer via scan code
  • Is marked on the computer module

Computer Module location
  • 1995 thru 2001 is located in the jack storage compartment in the rear of your Explorer. First remove the panel to the jack storage compartment. Towards the front of this area you should see a metal box this is your auto-lock module(way up front next to your rear left passenger seat). On the back side of this is your 5 digit code factory preset code. It is hard to get to. To see it you will have to loosen, pull, use a flashlight or a mirror but it can be done.

  • 2002 thru 2007 is in the right panel behind the middle row window. It is below the seat belt mechanism. You have to pull out the top plastic panel off, then loosen the lower panel to be able to see the face of the computer module. The code is on a sticker on the face of the module.

Programming a personal entry code The factory set code cannot be reprogrammed but you can create your own 5�digit personal entry code. When pressing the controls on the keypad, press the middle of the controls to ensure a good activation.
Up to three personal entry codes may be programmed to the vehicle. To create your own personal entry code:

  • 1. Enter the factory set code.
  • 2. Within five seconds press the 1 � 2 on the keypad.
  • 3. Enter your personal 5-digit code. Each number must be entered within five seconds of each other.
  • 4. Press 1 � 2, 3 � 4 or 5 � 6 to indicate which of the three personal entry code positions you wish to use.
  • 5. The doors will again lock then unlock to confirm that your personal key code has been programmed to the module.
Tips:

  • Do not set a code that uses five of the same number.
  • Do not use five numbers in sequential order.
  • The factory set code will work even if you have set your own personal code.
  • If you program a code to a position that already contains a set code, the previously-set code will be erased.

Erasing personal code
  • 1. Enter the factory set 5�digit code.
  • 2. Within five seconds, press the 1 � 2 on the keypad and release.
  • 3. Press and hold the 1 � 2 for two seconds. This must be done within five seconds of completing Step 2.
All personal codes are now erased and only the factory set 5�digit code will work.

Anti-scan feature If the wrong code has been entered 7 times (35 consecutive button presses), the keypad will go into an anti-scan mode. This mode disables the keypad for one minute and the keypad lamp will flash.

The anti-scan feature will turn off after
  • One minute of keypad inactivity.
  • Pressing the UNLOCK control on the remote entry transmitter.
  • The ignition is turned to the 3 (ON) position.

Unlocking and locking the doors, liftgate and liftgate window using keyless entry
  • To unlock the driver�s door, enter the factory set 5-digit code or one of the vehicle�s personal codes.
  • Each number must be pressed within five seconds of each other. The interior lamps will illuminate.
  • To unlock all doors and liftgate, press the 3 � 4 control within five seconds.
  • To open the liftgate window, press the 5 � 6 control within five seconds.
  • To lock all doors, liftgate and liftgate window, press the 7 � 8 and the 9 � 0 at the same time.

  • Note: The driver�s door must be closed. You do not need to enter the keypad code first.

Deactivating/activating autolock
  • Your vehicle comes with the autolock feature enabled.
Note: The autolock feature can be activated/deactivated independently of the autounlock feature.
Before following the activation or deactivation procedures, make sure that the anti-theft system is not armed, ignition is in the 1 (OFF/LOCK)position, and all vehicle doors, liftgate and liftgate window are closed.
*Keyless entry key pad procedure

  • 1. Turn the ignition to the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position.
  • 2. Close all doors, the liftgate and liftgate window.
  • 3. Enter 5�digit entry code
  • 4. Press and hold the 3 � 4. While holding the 3 � 4 press the 7 � 8.
  • 5. Release the 7 � 8.
  • 6. Release the 3 � 4.
The user should receive a horn chirp to indicate the system has been disabled or a chirp followed by a honk to indicate the system has been enabled.
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Note: The doors will not autounlock if the vehicle has been electronically locked before the driver door is opened.

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  • 1. Turn the ignition to the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position.
  • 2. Close all doors, the liftgate and liftgate window.
  • 3. Enter 5�digit entry code
  • 4. Press and hold the 3 � 4. While holding the 3 � 4 press the 7 � 8 twice.
  • 5. Release the 7 � 8.
  • 6. Release the 3 � 4.
The user should receive a horn chirp to indicate the system has been disabled or a chirp followed by a honk to indicate the system has been enabled.
The keyless entry touch pad can use two codes. The factory code and one
personal code .
To program your own personal code, select a 5 digit code that doesn't use 5 digits in
sequence or the same button 5 times.
Enter your factory code
Within 5 seconds press the 1/2 button
Within 5 seconds of pressing the 1/2 button, enter your 5 digit personal code,
pressing each digit within 5 seconds of the previous digit.
You can now use either code to operate the keypad

Setting FOB to work with your vehicle
  1. Sit in car, doors closed. Electronically unlock all doors using the power door unlock switch on the driver's door.
  2. Insert key into ignition switch and turn from OFF to ON 8 times within 10 seconds with the 8th time ending in the ON position. (5 times on some models)
  3. The doors should lock and unlock by themselves to signal programming mode.
  4. Using your remote: lock the doors.

9helpful
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Rear door wont unlock or sometimes wont lock

The rear door lock actuator needs to be replaced. If you have the dealer do it you will pay $300.00+. If you do it, you can do it in an hour for about $20.00. Just buy a universal actuator kit that looks similar to the one already in there from the factory. Do A Google Search on "Mazda Tribute Rear Door Lock Actuator" to find sources for them.

This is a VERY common problem on Ford Escapes and Mazda Tributes, all years. I am surprised there has not been a recall on this.
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2001 Ford Escape Rear Hatch won't unlock

The liftgate consists of the following components:
  • liftgate door lock actuator
  • liftgate lock cylinder (if equipped)
  • liftgate window glass
  • liftgate window latch/ajar switch
  • liftgate window glass release handle
  • liftgate latch remote control which consists of the following component:
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  • liftgate latch, which consist of the following component:
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Liftgate Latch Actuator Removal and Installation
  1. Remove the liftgate latch remote control. For additional information, refer to Liftgate Latch Remote Control in this section.
SECTION 501-14: Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems 2001 Escape Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Liftgate Latch Removal and Installation
  1. Remove the liftgate trim panel.
  1. Disconnect the liftgate ajar switch electrical connector.
  1. Disconnect the liftgate latch actuating rod.
    1. Open the clip.
    1. Disconnect the actuating rod.
  1. Remove and discard the liftgate latch bolts.
  1. Remove the liftgate latch.
  1. NOTE: Make sure the liftgate latch release rod is not preloading the latch. It should be clipped in a relaxed state with no slack.
    NOTE: Position the liftgate latch release rod by pushing outboard to remove the slack.
  1. Remove the screws and the liftgate latch actuator
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Auto Lock Activation

Deactivating/activating autolock
There are 3 methods to enable/disable this feature. One through your
dealer, the second with a power door unlock/lock sequence and the third
with the keypad.
Before following the activation or deactivation procedures, make sure
that the anti-theft system is not armed, ignition is off, and all vehicle
doors, liftgate and liftgate window are closed.
Controls and features
Power door unlock/lock
procedure
You must complete steps 1-5 within
30 seconds or the procedure will
have to be repeated. If the
procedure needs to be repeated,
you must wait 30 seconds.
1. Turn the ignition key to ON.
2. Press the power door unlock control three times.
3. Turn the ignition key from ON to OFF.
4. Press the power door unlock control three times.
5. Turn the ignition back to ON. The horn will chirp.
6. Press the unlock control, then press the lock control. The horn will
chirp once if autolock was deactivated or twice (one short and one long
chirp) if autolock was activated.
7. Turn the ignition to OFF. The horn will chirp once to confirm the
procedure is complete.
Keyless entry key pad procedure
1. Enter 5 digit entry code
2. Press and hold 7/8 control
3. Press and release 3/4 control
4. Release 7/8 control.
The user should receive a horn
chirp
to indicate the system has
been disabled or a chirp followed by
a honk to indicate the system has
been enabled.
Smart unlock
This feature prevents the driver’s door from locking while the key is in
the ignition. This feature will unlock only the driver’s door if the key is in
the ignition cylinder, the driver’s door is ajar and all doors are locked
using the interior trim switch. If these conditions are met, the entire
vehicle will lock and the driver’s door will unlock within 1 second.
Controls and features
127
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Electronic lock on rear hatch of 2002 ford escape will not open

the unlock or popper for the door needs to be replaced. the door should work with a key.
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2002 ford escape liftgate wont lock/unlock

the electronic sensor could be bad or the lock is physically jammed.
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2002 Escape

Probably a issue with your actuator... there is a recall due to the "latching system does not meet the inertia load requirement" might want to check with the dealership to see if your vehicle is with this group, hope this helps :)

Recall 04V602000: Liftgate Latch Release Rod Replacement

Certain 2004-2005 sport utility vehicles and certain 2001-2003 sport utiity vehicles having rear liftgate components serviced with 2004 equivalent components fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components." The rear liftgate latching system does not meet the inertia load requirement in one direction.
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2002 door locks failed ford escape

Using a multimeter, check for voltage at the lock/unlock solenoid. Disconnect the connector and probe the unlock side with the other lead on a good ground. Hit the unlock twice and see if you get voltage. If yes, the solenoid may be defective or if not, you could possibly have a bad relay. Even though you can hear the relay, that doesn't necessarily mean it's completing the circuit. My car did the same thing and I ended up replacing the relay.
The lock side check would be the same.

Hope this helps!
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