1979 Mercury Colony Park - I am baffled by this one. I can make the tailgate lock post go down by either pressing the power lock button or by turning the key in the tailgate. However, even though the post goes down, the door will open if I pull on the handle. So it locks but it doesn't lock, if you see what I mean. I lubricated the latches and they appear to be in good shape, but I can't figure it out. I had the same issue with a 1984 Colony Park I used to have. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Sounds like some of the linkage in the tailgate has come off. You might have to open the gate and remove the inner panel and check out if everything is hooked up. while te panel is off good time to lube stuff from the inside.
Well, I took off the panel and looked inside. Things were gummed up, so I shot everything with PB Blaster and now it all moves nicely. But the problem persists. I spent a lot of time looking at the lock mechanism, and nothing appears to be disconnected or broken. I also looked at the shop manual, but I cannot figure this out. Surely someone out there has had this problem?!
I have the same problem with my 84 Country Squire. Pulled the interior panel, lubed, looked for loose linkages, nothing obvious. I was thinking next step is to start removing lock and linkages but I'm not sure how soon I'll get to it.
tailgate problem... I had a similar problem on my '94 xj6 Jaguar. One of the doors was doing the same as your tailgate. Turns out that the "arm" ( sort of a "C" shape)that latches around the striker had worn enough that it would open with very light pressure, or even by itself. No need to use the handle! Took me quite a while to locate the problem. I was able to disassemble mine, and made the needed piece, and it worked, as no door latch was available. Suggest you look for another latch mechanism, unless you are handy enough to make the needed part. Most latch assemblies are riveted together, and may require you to spot weld it back together at the rivet points. Careful...lots of plastic in some of those latch mechanisms. Tried to furnish a pic of the "arm" involved. It's right near the center of the pic. The very tip of the arm wears, and it's hard to see. Good luck. David.
Yes, the arm that latches around the striker is a two-piece claw, kind of like a lobster claw. It does seem worn out, and when you put a little pressure on this claw, it just pops open really easily. So this latch mechanism is likely shot, probably from many slams of the heavy tailgate door. Well, if anyone happens to have a latch mechanism out there that is in good condition, please let me know!
