Has anyone had this issue with their 3rd gen B Body wagons? The tailgate will fold down, but it wont fold out, no matter how hard you twist the handle. Also, the third row seat is stuck in the down position, seems like the cable is connected to nothing. Can't figure out how to get it up.
The door problem sounds like a broken or overbent actuator rod. You'd need to lower the gate, remove the inner panel, then lock the upper latch so the window interlock switch is closed, and roll the window up/out so you can access the handle mechanism.
The handle should be able to unlatch the two side latches with 30-50 degrees of rotation from horizontal.
Just so we're clear, the tailgate will open like a tailgate, but not like a door, correct? Usually these wagons have the opposite problem. The issue usually has to do with worn bushings in the side hinges. This prevents the gate from shutting all the way, which prevents the interlock rods from working correctly. There is also an interlock rod on the glass that can get forced out of position - this happened on my Custom Cruiser. In any case, you need the Fisher Body Manual for your year, which explains the tailgate interlock system and adjustments in detail. Yes, I realize this book says Buick, Olds, and Caddy. Keep in mind that this was the time frame when GM had reorganized into two divisions - BOC and Chevy/Pontiac/GMC. The body manual still applies to all the B-body wagons for that year.
Also have a 87 Safari but having trouble understanding third row seat problem. My base model has a cable activated pivot on the right hand side which when the handle is pulled up allows the third row seat back to be folded down. To fold seat back up just flip rear panel up and over and fold seat back up until it locks in place by that right hand size pivot. Note that the rear panel is lockable by door key to provide secure storage in the rear well.
You are correct. Just went out and put our 3rd seat down and back up. Forgot that the lever had to be pulled for both operations. Did not try it, but can you reach the seat down latch from the spare tire compartment ?
For the seat issue, I have had this problem before. You need to get in under the trim, and replace the plastic clip that attaches the release wire to the handle. That advice sounds really vague, I know. There's a wire/bar that runs from the handle, back to the latch that locks the seat in the up/down position. The wire/bar is attached to the seat by a plastic clip, and that clip will break. You have to pry up or remove the plastic trim by the release handle, find the broken clip, and replace it.
