I need the little fastener that attaches the rear hatch handle to the rod that releases the catch on the the hatch on a ford explorer. Where can I find a website for that type of fastener?

There is a spring in the latch assembly that pulls the catch open when you press the button/lever. It may be broken which will need the unit to be replaced. Use something like a round blade of a screw driver and open the catch as you press the button/ lever.

most likely they rod inside has become disconnected. remove panel and look for broken plastic clips to be broken.

will need to remove the rear panel to access the latch mechanism the release bar connector either popped off or broke the clip is only a few bucks and is easily replaced the hassle is in the removing of the panel

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!

The clip that retains the release rod in the rear hatch assy. Breaks and allows the rod to fall off. You need to remove the handle from the inside of the hatch. You can pick the plugs out of the handle with a small screwdriver with a small screwdriver, and then remove the handle with a 10mm socket. After removing the handle you should be able to pull back the plastic and look inside with a flash light. Locate the rod that runs to the side that is inop. You should be able to reach in with a screw driver and pull it toward you to release it. Make sure you have already released the working side so it will open for you. Once the hatch is open, you can continue to remove the rest of the plastic trim on the hatch with a phillips head screw driver. After the trim is removed, you will need to re-attach the rod to the mechanism with the clip on the mechanism. If the clip is broken you will need to obtain a new one from a local dealer, or parts supplier. If you have to order a clip, attach a piece of wire, or string to the rod so you can release it from the inside while you are waiting for the new retainer.

2000 ford explorer back hatch handle loose door locked The linkage on the back hatch came unfastened and the handle was loose. Ford uses plastic fastener clips over perfectly good threads to hold this together. The outdoor plastic handle is only conected to the car with two aluminum ribets. One was already missing on mine. But if you just want to open the door, you can rip the handle off and pull it out. hopefully you won't crack the plastic. You can see the linkage screw hanging as you look up through the left hole. Grab it with a plyers and apply a steady force down. This will open the hatch. I just rigged up a different handle and put a nut on the treads to hold it together. This can all be done without tearing appart the interier and may only take 20 minutes. I used a rope and handle from the garage opener, a medium size washer and a nut. First make a small loop, with a small hole to slide over the linkage screw, then the washer, then the nut. Slide the other end of rope through the handle, move the handle very close to the vehicle and tie the not close. Trim the rope and wala ... the hatch works. Or you can pay $300.00+ to have it fixed with the clip.

Fixed this last week in my Cherokee Classic. I started by releasing the hatch catch from the the interior by manually placing a flat screwdriver (something flat) under the catch, pulling the door inward, and letting the hatch open. From here unscrew all screws around the interior panel including the 2 screws under the rubber caps that mount the interior pull handle. Then carefully pull the panel, one section at a time, (carefully...this plastic is cheap) until all panel clips are free and the panel is removed. At this point you will see the inner mechanics of your door latch. Pushing your key fob lock you will see what you have been hearing, and lifting the outside handle you will see what it is supposed to be doing. As you sit in the interior of the car and face the inside of the hatch door, on the drivers side of the latch mechanism you will see a small threaded rod that is attached to the latch mechanism and the catch on the bottom of the door. This threaded rod must be adjusted/returned to the proper setting in order to lift the door catch. This entire mechanism is so cheaply made that you could have something broken in it also....but after finding the aforementioned adjustment mechanism, I realized that it would not take much for this part to self destruct. Hope this helps!

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:
  • liftgate release handle
• liftgate latch, which consist of the following component:
  • liftgate latch door ajar switch

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

You will need to remove the door panel to gain access to the handle. Roll the window up or down as needed to get to the nuts that attach the handle to the door. You will also need to remove a rod the goes to the door lock. You will see the rod after the door panel is removed. Good luck.

haev some one help you by pushing on the door wjile you try to open it. it needs little force. what happen is the catch is off align, when you moove the furnitures.
you have to look at the lock and figure out how much is off and correct it.