75 Ford Country Squire Rear Window Problem

Hi:
My 75 Country Squire's rear window is stuck down in the tailgate. The window was going up and down with no problem, I put the window down to open it like a dropgate to load some furniture, opened it, unloaded the furniture, closed the door, then went to close the window the it wouldn't budge - I tried the key as well as the rocker switch on the dash. I also can't open the tailgate now for some reason with the handle. This has never happened before...any advise on what would cause the window to abruptly stop working, AND the door lever to not open the gate?

Thanks.

Ryan.

 

I was hoping to take the inside metal panel off to see the mechanism inside, but I am unable to get it off from inside. I took off all the screws and tried to pry it loose. Are there screws at the very bottom that I can't access? Is there an easier way to do this?
Thanks.

Ryan

 

The tailgate now will not open EITHER way?

 

Right. Yesterday the tailgate was opening as a swing gate. I have never opened it as a dropgate. The window was put down, furniture put in, then tailgate was opened like a swing gate, unloaded, then we closed the gate with the window down. Now the door won't open, AND the window won't go up.

It was working fine yesterday.

I was trying to take the internal panel off to see the mechanism today but can't get it off either - so kind of stuck hoping it won't rain

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

Ryan

 

I'm not a Ford guy but I'm racking my swiss cheese brain. I KNOW this subject has been discussed here before. I'm surprised more members haven't jumped in yet. Be patient, there should be help here. I hate to tell a guy to do a search when there are people here that can likely solve this in a few sentences. However, try a search while waiting. Meanwhile I will try to find that thread that I think I saw regarding this problem. Sorry, I'm not much help. Yet.

 

Thanks so much. Same thing happened on my Olds Custom Cruiser. I took a rubber hammer, beat the heck out of the tailgate around where the latch is and after about 30 minutes of this, it opened Tried this on the Ford - nothing. I can't get down inside enough to see the mechanism AND I can't get the darn panel off...if popped off on the Custom Cruiser. I ordered the Hayne's manual but that is 7 days away AND it is supposed to rain here in Vermont tomorrow. AHHH!

Thanks for your help. Anyone else have insight into this issue?

Thanks a million

Ryan.

 

Well....the Haynes manuals are usually pretty much useless. You should really get a complete set of Factory Shop Manuals. Including the body manual. I have had them for every car I have ever owned and they are priceless. I have found that the best place to find them is eBay in the used manuals section. Even if it is too late for this problem you should have the FSM's for your wagon. They will pay for themselves over and over.

 

Good advise. I have never owned one and have always *meant* to get them. It's funny - I am a physician, I'm really good with that specialized area, but when it comes to cars, I am functional but need step-by-step guides. Haynes is good for this for common problems...not wild ones like a crazy possessed Country Squire tailgate I got it for one cent on amazon so no harm done I suppose!

Thanks Going to check out eBay now.

-Ryan

 

Having said what I did above,,,,,I just checked eBay and there are no used FSM's available for your car,at this time,that I could find. This is the first car that I have not found a manual for on eBay??? Figures.
IIRC, there are some screws on the bottom of your gate that have to be removed...BUT...I think something has to be removed to get at them if the gate won't open. If it looks like rain, get a big tarp for now!

 

I found them, did a few searches: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Fact...ptZMotorsQ5fManualsQ5fLiterature#ht_500wt_956

Just purchased it.

I was wondering HOW the panel was fit on - does it have to be lifted UP or should it just come out enough so I can bend it back and get my hand in there?

RS

 

Again...I'm not a Ford guy. I am watching for those members to come online here that know Fords. I will tip them off if I see any of them. I may PM a few that should know and see if they are available to come in today.

 

Thanks a million

I pulled a tarp out of the basement "just in case."

-Ryan

 

have you checked the power supply?
there is a relay somewhere in that mess that can go as well as a couple of trigger switches in the tailgate....that the window has to hit when down to release them.

have you tried pushing down on the window and trying the switch then the latch ?
ie:....the window has to be all the way down in order for the tail to release.....and versa visa....the window wont go up unless the tail is closed completely.

....clear as mud??

this is one of those things that easiy to go thru in your mind but dont translate well in print.....but then maybe its just my mind

 

Just tried pushing down on the window more - nothing. Also can't pull it up. The handle turns but just does not catch to open. I yanked on the gate also and it moves a bit, sounds "latched) at the location of the latch.

Also when I turn the key all the way to 9:00 or 3:00 it makes a soft "click" which sounds like a component of the electrical system trying to engage but won't.

RS

 

Wait....it "moves a bit"? I know the gate probably won't open unless the window is all the way down...just thinking that maybe the window won't move if the gate is not closed ALL THE WAY. Try to close the gate more....I don't think there should be any play if it is closed tightly. Not a Ford guy but something is clicking in the back of my mind. What little is there.