2002 Explorer rear liftage latch replacement

Power Liftgate System Components
• Liftgate motor assembly
• Liftgate latch
• Liftgate module (LGM)
• Liftgate side upper sensor - left
• Liftgate side upper sensor - right
• Liftgate handle switch
• Liftgate close switch
• GMLAN serial data link
• PWR LIFT GATE 30 amp fuse
• PLG 10 amp mini-fuse

Power Liftgate System Description
Liftgate Module
The liftgate module controls the liftgate motor, liftgate clutch, and liftgate latch based on various inputs. The liftgate module also performs diagnostics on these inputs and outputs and will disable liftgate functionality and set DTCs should a fault be detected. The liftgate module is secured to the motor assembly at the left rear of the vehicle. The module requires a liftgate position learn procedure be performed when replacing. This allows the module to learn the full open and full closed positions of the liftgate.

Location - fuse block right rear
Fuse Block - Right Rear
In the passenger compartment, near the right side of the rear seat cushion under the carpet

Here's a video on your hinge removal. How To Install Replace Rear Glass Hinge 2002 05 Ford Explorer Mercury...

First be sure the auto-lock is not on and that the entire liftgate can be opened.

Look for the small rubber button above and on the right side of the license plate. Try pushing that button to see if the rear window hatch pops.

If these efforts don't work, check the fuse associated with the "luggage compartment lid release switch"... it's a 20 amp fuse possibly located in slot 22.

A last resort would be removing the interior panel of the liftgate and locating the latch release for the hatch. You can find a schematic of the rear liftgate in an Internet search. Good luck!

Hi,

The issue you are having is with the power latch assembly. This system has multiple items and sensors related to its operation and even has its own control module (computer) that will set codes if there is a problem such as what you are having. The only way to be 100% sure is to check the power liftgate control module with a scanner capable of accessing it. What I have found to be the most common problem is the power rear latch in the lift gate that actually closes the rear hatch in the last few inches on movement and it issues that it it latched in place. You will need to replace the power liftgate latch assembly.

Let me know,if needed further assistance.

Hope i helped you.

Thanks for using ' Fixya ' and have a nice day!!

This solution applies to models:
2002-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, Trailblazer EXT and Trailblazer SS
2004-2007 Buick Rainier
2002-2007 GMC Envoy, Envoy XL, and Envoy Denali
2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada
2005-2007 Saab 9-7x

Condition/Concern:
Rear liftgate glass will not lock when using the key fob or door switch unless the lock button is pressed a second time. All other doors will lock normally. This could be the result of the liftgate glass lock rod not adjusted correctly. This lock rod travels from the liftgate lock actuator to the glass release push-button cylinder.

Recommendation/Instructions:
Remove the inside rear liftgate trim panel. Disconnect the threaded lock rod clip at the end of the push-button glass release and rotate this clip 1 complete turn at a time making the lock rod longer. This will be the only threaded lock rod visible when the trim panel is removed and the liftgate is raised.
Note: For the rear glass to release, the rear liftgate latch must be in the closed position. For test purposes only, this latch can be made closed to make this lock rod adjustment.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.

I'm not sure where' the screws are but basically You need to remove the panel on the rear door, then once the panel (interior trim) has been removed you should see a lock mechanism which will be screwed/bolted in place. Easier and cheaper then buying a brand new lock mechanism (unless you want to buy brand new) is going to a wreckers and finding your car model and get it that way (yes it's used but it'll probably save you tons of money vs the dealership) Best Regards.

The liftgate consists of the following components:

• liftgate door lock actuator
• liftgate lock cylinder (if equipped)
• liftgate window glass
• liftgate window latch/ajar switch
• liftgate window glass release handle
• liftgate latch remote control which consists of the following component:
  • liftgate release handle
• liftgate latch, which consist of the following component:
  • liftgate latch door ajar switch

Liftgate Latch Actuator Removal and Installation

1. Remove the liftgate latch remote control. For additional information, refer to Liftgate Latch Remote Control in this section.

SECTION 501-14: Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems 2001 Escape Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Liftgate Latch Removal and Installation

1. Remove the liftgate trim panel.

1. Disconnect the liftgate ajar switch electrical connector.

1. Disconnect the liftgate latch actuating rod.
   1. Open the clip.
   1. Disconnect the actuating rod.

1. Remove and discard the liftgate latch bolts.

1. Remove the liftgate latch.

1. NOTE: Make sure the liftgate latch release rod is not preloading the latch. It should be clipped in a relaxed state with no slack.
   NOTE: Position the liftgate latch release rod by pushing outboard to remove the slack.
   

1. Remove the screws and the liftgate latch actuator

Liftgate Latch Removal and Installation

1. Remove the liftgate trim panel.
2. Remove the watershield.
3. Remove the bolts and the liftgate latch.
   • Discard the bolts.

1. Disconnect the liftgate ajar switch electrical connector.

1. Disconnect the release cable.
   1. Disconnect the cable conduit.
   1. Disconnect the cable.

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   • Transfer parts as necessary.

gate latch.

The easy part is you just need the latch for the liftgate. The hard part is getting to it and opening the liftgate to replace the latch. You should be able to pull the liftgate trim off most of the way with the gate closed and try to manually actuate the latch to open the gate. You may have to go so far as breaking the latch from the inside to open the gate and then replace your latch.

Probably a issue with your actuator... there is a recall due to the "latching system does not meet the inertia load requirement" might want to check with the dealership to see if your vehicle is with this group, hope this helps :)

Recall 04V602000: Liftgate Latch Release Rod Replacement

Certain 2004-2005 sport utility vehicles and certain 2001-2003 sport utiity vehicles having rear liftgate components serviced with 2004 equivalent components fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components." The rear liftgate latching system does not meet the inertia load requirement in one direction.