The keyed lock on my 98 passport on the tail gate has been punched in, I can't figure out even how to get the tail gate open, because the handle on the out side seems to be un atatched, I feel that if I can get it open I could get to the issue from the inside, plz help me, john

You can take the panel off on the inside of the tail gate, and open it by manually pulling on the linkage rods at the same time.

thats dangerous for the one holding the handle. there is a rod from each side that runs to the handle. one is probobly out of adjustment. If you can see them under the handle when you lift it up take a screw driver and pry it towards the handle. if it opens then its out of adjustment

Use a crowbar

Open tail gate. Use the access square inside - pull cable to open tail gate. Remove interier panel - 2 bolts plus 2 screws (2 bolts on handle and 1 screw each side), pull remainder out of guide clips. Now have full access to locking mechanism. Identified a retaining spring had come loose sending guides to shift left (exterior point of view). Place hand in tail gate and move guides over and put spring in place to retain. verify it works and put back together. Handle is the trickiest part as the bolts have to go through the interior panel and afix to the metal tail gate.

you have to take te plastic molding off the inside and then click it and see why it dosent open

how to i open a stuck lift garte on a ford winstar 2000 lock broken too

I have the solution to every one out there with tailgate lock problems......I had the very same problem but wasnt interested in getting a power lock.......Here goes.....it costs you some wd40 or liquid wrench.....nothing else......open the tail gate.....you will see the screws that hold the handle in place.....take off the two outer screws only....then pop off the handle cover....yes it does come off without breaking.....you will see something shaped like a "C".....it should move back and forth.....with the tailgate closed you should be able to move that "C" back and forth...it swivels on a pivot you can see in the opening above the tailgate handle.......this is the lock mechanism.....mine was seized up.....anyways......with the tailgate still closed squirt some wd40 or liquid wrench in the area directly above the tailgate handle........that "C" thing will move again and your problem is over...email me if you figured it out........
I was delighted with the fix.....and it's so easy to do.....then put everything back in its place......tell everyone you know....

you need to remove the tail gate rear cover (i think it is a torx bit 30) and then manualy open the tail gate. more than likely it will need a handle, and two latches.

I also have this problem and don't know what to do.
Marge58

does your tail gate has a kole to insert the key? like a lock system, if it does try to unlock it with key and then open it, but if not, then you are going to have to go to a bidy shop to have it repair