Tail gate problems

make sure the interior release is not stuck in the up position and does not feel 'sloppy' then spray some WD-40 in the key hole and work the lock to make sure it is free. if that doesn't work take a small screwdriver and push it into the latch an the lid. If it catches the screwdriver then the latch needs to be adjusted closer to the hasp on the body of the car. Find and loosen the bolts that hold the latch in place just enough so they are finger tight then push it down some. re-tighten and test. If the latch does not catch the screwdriver then disconect the intereor release cable and see if that works. If not then you probably need a new latch.

Start out by checking the latch mechanism on the door. Use a screwdriver to "trip" the latch with the door open, then pull on the screwdriver against the latch gate. If it doesn't hold then you may have a bad latch (the springs in the latch can go bad over time). You can also try spraying penetrating oil (PB Blaster) into the latch and again using a screwdriver to trip the latch, then open with the handle, and repeat several times to work the oil into the mechanism and free it up (this trick also sometimes works with the springs on wiper arms that have lost tension). If the penetrating oil trick works, think about spraying dry lube or white lithium grease into the latch to help prevent it from happening again. If the door is misaligned, consider new hinge bushings, a misaligned door can cause damage to the door, and put tension on the door latch in a direction that puts pressure on the latch that it wasn't designed for.

• To replace the actual hood latch is really very easy.

1. Open the hood.
2. Now on the latch itself you will see two bolts (one on each side)
3. Remove them two bolts.
4. Pull the latch up a bit.
5. Now you see the cable for the latch.
6. Push the cable forward a bit.
7. Now take a Flathead screwdriver and pop the cable out of the little clasp holding it.
8. Now take the new latch and reverse the steps I have listed and that's it. Your done. Should take 10-15 minutes for anyone to do at home.

• Hope this helps and thank you for using FixYa.

Regards, Tony

You will probably have to disassemble the rear seat to fix the latch. The lower seat cusion has latches that can be pushed in with a flat-blade screwdriver. If you pull up on the seat a little, you can see them. They are made of white plastic. There is a button on the front of them that will release the lower cusion. I usually use a flat-blade screwdriver to push on the latch buttons because they can be really hard to push by hand. Once the seat cusion is out, you can access the bolts that hold the seat back assembly in. You can remove these bolts and remove the entire seat back assembly.. Once the seat back is loose, you will have to reach around the seat assembly to remove the push-clips that hold the trunk-side carpet to the back side of the seat. You will then be able to work on the seats to repair the latch. (pull cords)

ok if you gentle pull back the seat cushion at the top nearest the catch you will see a brass colored round latch push this down with a screwdriver and hold down. now insert another screwdriver and push a little higher up this should release the catch and you can pull the seat down you will need to fiddle about a bit but it will release