My back hatch door doen't want to open

remove rear panel and check latch for damage or linkage disconnect --also check electrical connections to other components

Rear hatch is locked or unlocked with a key. (if equipped) • To open the rear hatch, insert the key into the lock, turn it to the unlock position and pull up the rear hatch by pressing the handle (DOOR). You can also lock/unlock the latch (but not release it) with the central door lock system. • If unlocked, the rear hatch can be opened by pressing the handle (DOOR) and pulling the hatch up. • To close the rear hatch, lower and push down the rear hatch firmly. Make sure that the rear hatch is securely latched.

Not sure about your car, but on my Chrysler mini van the same problem happened. The problem was not the motor but the body control module. The unit had 2 relays, but the BCM actualy controls the unit. To replace the BCM was $450. I bypassed the problem by installing an on/off switch inside the car and activated the motor by by passing the BCM at the relay. That was 3 years ago, still works great. Your BCM may be the problem. Check the schematics of the relays and try doing the same.

If you don't have the manuals, your local library has online access to most service manuals that you would have to pay for. Many time you can get access to them through their website if you have a library card. If not, go the library and get full free access to all the major car service manuals for free!

The lock assy

My back hatch would not open but it appears the lock was sticking and the return spring to the handle is broken. We used the key to unlock the back door and then door opened. Then husband sprayed WD 40 in all the lock holes. Now once we open the door we have to push the handle back down as return spring is still missing but the door opens :) . My van is a 2002 Ford Windstar.

i can help , kinda, i had trouble with my astro van door lock in the back , it is not connected to the electric door locks , turns out the thing was broke inside, i had to pry off the inside panel and reach inside the door itself to unlock it, this can be done without damaging the panel or trim but you have to unscrew some parts, and work it loose very gently, on the rest of it, well i have been having trouble with the door locks on my astro, i think its just a weakness in design on these guys

Lift motor or power for it. Check fuses.

you may not be abletowithout the door open but if can atleastget the panel away enough to get you'r hand in you should be abe to get ahold of the lock rod

The above info was correct to a point , My door also would not open. I took off whole back panel and sprayed wd-40 over whole mechanism and was able to open door but if you lock it it will not reopen unless you manually move lock. So there must be a cable that comes down into latch that I manually moved. I would hope someone can verify that before I take panel off again or if a whole part must be replaced to come on here and respond and name the part or part number. It would be appreciated. The whole design has major flaws period. It should have a key latch in rear cargo door just in case . Also drivers door has no key either what were the ford engineers smoking when they came up with that. OR is it planned obsolescence !

Lock actuator on the rear hatch may be bad, I had to replace 3 actuators all at one on my van. I have the same problem with my drivers door you are having with your doors, today I'm gonna pull the door panel off and check the wiring and voltage.