Rear lift gate

[Guest SLOPOKE]

Since I have had my pathy, I have not been able to open the rear lift gate. The glass opens just fine with the key and from the inside, but I have yet to open the gate.

 

Last weekend I had the interior panel off. I tried adjusting the linkages, and maybe thinking that the lock was not working, but its something internal. I was able to see the latch mech. and it seemed to be frozen (at least thats what my hammer and screwdriver said ).

 

I was wondering if anybody has been able to get a stuck latch to let go? I would really like to put some larger things in the back of the truck. I wouldn't even mind buying a new latch from nissan as long as I can get the lift gate to work.

 

Thanks in advance!

[94extreme]

pb blater!

[unccpathfinder]

ohh man lemmie see if i can explain this 1......my 87 quit working for the locking mechanism...so i open the glass then reach in (panel is off as well) and on the right side towards the bottom theres a lever that kinda looks like this

 

 

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(note the periods are blank space for some reason it alligned everything to the left so u couldnt get the idea of the shape)

 

its a lil below the linkage for the handle if u push that down (unlocks the tailgate) u should be able to open it using the handle...it takes some practice but now i can pop open the glass reach in and without feeling for it hit it and open it up

 

this might help a lil more

 

although now i realized i misread the post -thnkboutit- ....hope it helps but doesnt seem like it will

 

go with the PB

Edited May 7, 2006 by unccpathfinder

[Guest SLOPOKE]

It's had a dose of PB Blaster daily for close to two weeks now.

 

I tried pushing down on that piece, but nothing worked. I took off the lock/glass opener assembly to get a better view of the latch. From what I can tell everthing looks and works like it's supposed to, except for the part that latches it to the body. It's just not moving. I tried tapping (with large screwdriver, and hammer) a piece that looks like it controls the actual latch, but that didn't seem to work either.

 

I believe that I have to drop the gas tank to get to the "U" bolt that attaches to the body. I really wish that I dont have to do that.

 

Are there any more schematics out there for the latch? I only have the hayes ( :furious: ) manual, so I am very limited litature for this project.

 

Thanks for all the help!!

[94extreme]

if by "U" bolt you mean the catch, it's attached from the top man.

[Precise1]

Ok, unless the latch mechanism a lump of rust, I'd say you either have a mechanical bind issue or you aren't seeing the big picture of the assembly. If it is bound, look for bent pins, missing c clips, washers, etc. That may indicate what is out of position. If you are trying to pry it open at the internal latch, make sure you check for secondary catches, tension springs, linkages that prevent free movement without the handle being pulled, that sort of thing. The mechanism is pretty simple, but is also designed so it will not spring open when you hit a bump, etc. Take a little time and trace/understand the mechanism before starting to poke at it, and I'm sure you'll get it. I have not messed with the pathy latch, but with other cars, after a few minutes of "hmm, wait, oh..." it was a piece of cake...

 

B

[Guest SLOPOKE]

This has been a ongoing project for about 3 weeks now. I just was finally able to dig into it fully this weekend.

 

When I tried to pry the latch open I made sure that everything was in position for opening (glass, and lock). I had my gf pull on the outside handle while I watched and tried to "assist" the latch. By looking at the latch, the lock is working correctly (the pins move to the set positions), and everything else seems to be moving correctly. I have tried moving the lift gate while my gf pulls on the handle.

 

I guess I will just have to spend a couple more hours with her.

 

Thanks for the help.

[unccpathfinder]

ohh yea...i did forget 1 thing i pulled my gate off to fix the rust up at the top and didnt line it up really good so if u can get it unlocked pushdown with ure weight on the tailgate with the glass opened and pull the handle...b/c if not mine wont open it didnt happen right after i finished it but when it got cold out it started doing that...

 

Are there any more schematics out there for the latch? I only have the hayes ( furious.gif ) manual, so I am very limited litature for this project.

 

Check PMs...

Edited May 7, 2006 by unccpathfinder

[Precise1]

Didn't mean you were going with a hammer and chisel... Sounds like you are working everything like I would. unccp hit on something. If it is just the j hook caught on the catch, perhaps if someone pushed inward on the rear hatch it would allow enough clearance to spring it free ??

 

B