The tailgate will not open. The rear power window began having issues after working perfectly. I removed the rear interior panel but don't see any issues. Working to get the tailgate to function and then will research the power window. Currently the window open about an inch from the top. This is an original car with ~70k miles. Any guidence or if you know of a video or guide to help it would be appreciated. The service manual only give instructions on R&R of parts. I have a photo of the mechanism but can't figure out how to post.
Okay, first, the tailgate latches and window have interlocks, and if a latch isn't fully closed, or the window isn't fully down, it affects operation. Now, regardless of the window position, it *should* open from the outside, when unlocked; can you open it as the door? Is the car equipped with electric locks? Does the tailgate key rotate, moving the lock button up and down?
It will not open from the outside when unlocked and the car has manual door locks. The key does move the lock up and down. I have attached a photo that I hope will be helpful. Thank you for your help.
I'm not seeing anything "off kilter," FWIW. Now, you can't open the door function from the outside--what about from the cargo floor? Have you looked in/reached in, to verify the handle can do its job ? The two RH latches must release *only* when the LH upper latch is fully locked. Otherwise, only the LH lower holds the weight of the tailgate, and having it fall will damage the gate and hinge. Try pushing on the upper corners (with someone's assistance) to verify both upper latches are fully secure, then try unlatching/swinging the door gate out. And if you can post a pic of the tailgate from the outside, that'll help me determine if the gate is correctly shut into the doorway of the rear.
A few photos: 1. when turning the outside handle it doesn't look like the downward pressure (red arrow) is pushing down far enough resulting in the blue arrow not making enought upward movement. The gap (green) circle feels like it should be smaller. No logic in that thought. I read through the service manual but it doesn't help. I will check the left latch. I appreciate your help 2. photos from the outiside
The green tab and the red tab could very well be bent from use. And you do not want to bend them back, it'll weaken the tabs further. What you can try is a fair-sized screwdriver, and push on the green tab's target, to see if that will unlatch the door function. At any rate, whether you get it open or not, you may need a new latch if one's available, or add a pad of hard plastic to each tab, to take up the room between the latch lever, latch and outer handle. The tailgate looks square, so it's not because of undue pressure preventing operation.
I am going to work on the latch release handle this weekend. Im think the window must be down for the tailgate to open. Is that the case? how about when swing for is open? if the window must be down how would the latch or handle mechanism confirm it's in the down position?
Okay, so basics on "Magic Doorgate" operation: 1) the door function works with the window in any position. The upper left latch is interlocked to prevent unlatching. The pin it latches to must be lubed on a regular basis. 2) the gate function only works with the window in the full down position. There is a rod that the window pulls down to release the upper left latch interlock; if it is bent, or the window regulator is prevented from fully descending, the interlock will not release. Check the inner handle rods for proper adjustment, and that none of the clips are broken or missing. 3) the doorgate must be fully engaged on all 3 latches to ensure all the doorgate functions will operate; I looked at your pics and it appears the doorgate is fully engaged and not sagging (a problem with these, from not properly keeping the hinges lubed and they wear down).
Andrew, should my 68 Montego Magic doorgate open with the window up? i was under the impression the window had to be down no matter if i open it like a door, or a tailgate...when i tryed just now to open it as a door the latch let my gate unlatch, but the window being about a 1/2 inch wider than the body opening size on each side prevented my gate from opening..were you referring to just the latch? my window would break if i pulled it open...my tailgate is a manual roll up and down and is dysfunctional anyway..
It *should* open as a door with the window in any position, as the doors on a hardtop would. The window has to be down fully to disengage the interlock and allow the tailgate function to work.
