Tailgate won't open, broken latch. how to fix? 2000 Ford Explorer sport.

More then likely the lock latch release rod has come off due to a failed attaching clip.

Replace the broken door latch handle and it should work just fine.

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You may get some ideas on You tube.
Although the link may not help but you can check the thumbnails on the right for more videos

How to get the rear door open on an expedition with broken cable

I had a clip break when I tried to open my tailgate. I had to remove my inside hatch panel and find my way to the handle assembly. A little plastic clip (shaped like a T) had finally worn out, which wouldn't hold the locking arms, and I had to go to a Ford dealership for a $3 part; tailgate has worked fine since then!

Try finding the mounting brackets that hold the springs and anything else to do with the hinge and latch system and loosen them. Could possibly have to remove some until you can get to the latch and release it manually. Worked getting one open on my cousins explorer. Not going to be easy, don't put a cheap spring back into it like my cousin did. uh oh! dhgill1949

if it is broken from inside the cab, skin the cable housing until you get to the cable and grab it with pliers or vice grips and pull the release. If it is broken from the latch under the hood you are going to need to get to the latch and release it with something, anything that you can get in there and pull the release latch.

The latch or outside handle is broken. Usually the springs break in them.

sometimes pushing in on the gate will release pressure on the latch enough to pop it, but the real problem is the linkage to the latch. it's probably stretched or bent from force. once you get it opened, take off the panel and manually latch and trigger latch it. see how the linkage acts and take out any slack w/pliers etc.

under the carpet installed on the tailgate door, there is a hole. put a screw driver in it and manually flip the latch open, to start.
yjen take the door panel off, one screw with the interiro handle, and pull the rest off,
watch the auto release slidw side to side, you will find a broken piece here, I made an extension piece with a plastic hook and screw, works fine for over a year, lube all latch parts with wd 30 once opened.

Mine just did the exact same thing. The latch may be moving freely because it is not hooked to the latching mechanism anymore. In my case, the handle had broken where the handle hooks to the rod that operates the mechanism. Go to the Ford dealer and buy a new handle. Here in S.C. it was $24. You can't get this at the parts houses. Start by removing the plastic "Ford" cover that is over the liscense plate lights. You then have to remove the aluminum rivets that hold the handle to the tailgate from the outside and remove the broken latch. Remove the pull handle loop on the interior side of the tailgate (2 screws), unsnap the inside plastic tailgate interior panel, and pull down the black plastic sheeting that is underneath the panel to make access to the mechanism inside of the tailgate. There is also a hard plastic cover that you will see that needs to be pulled loose to open another access hole. Install the new tailgate latch handle by sliding back into the mounting holes and attach with two 10-32 screws and nuts. The new handle will come with a new yellow rod attachment piece on the handle. You will see inside of the tailgate a small rod hanging down, most likeky it will have the same rod attachment piece as the one on the new handle. Note the position of the yellow piece on the rod, as you will connect the new piece in the same place. Once the rod is hooked up, relubricate the metal mechanism with a light machine oil, replace the black plastic cover, replace the black plastic sheeting, (secure with a small amount of duct tape), replace the tailgate interior panel, replace the pull handle loop, shut tailgate, replace "Ford" cover over lights, and you're done!