The liftgate on my 2003 Ford Expedition will not open. It unlocks, the window opens perfectly, but when I pull on the handle it comes up normally, but the liftgate remains latched.

Said safety switch would normally be positioned in the edge of the body seam where the gate can close it. Sounds like it just needs adjusted out closer to the gate. If no adjustment, put a washer of some kind under it. Washer can be anything as long as the switch body is touching metal to complete the circuit when you push it back in.

adjust the latch base or lock assembly

You have to pull the inside door panel off an check it out , only way !

• The lift gate latch release is inoperative/does not operate correctly

• Circuitry
• Liftgate release switch (integral to the liftgate release handle)
• Liftgate release motor (integral to the liftgate latch)
• Power liftgate module
• SJB

• Go To Pinpoint Test F .

Normal Operation The smart junction box (SJB) does not release the liftgate unless the doors have been unlocked electronically or the request is initiated from a remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitter.
The SJB sends a voltage signal to the liftgate release switch (part of the liftgate release handle) through circuit CPL45 (BN). When the switch is activated (the handle is pulled), the signal is routed to ground through circuit GD150 (BK/WH). When the SJB detects a request from the liftgate release switch, the SJB provides voltage through circuit CPL10 (BN/BU) to the liftgate latch release motor (integral to the liftgate latch) (vehicles with a manual liftgate) or the power liftgate module (vehicles equipped with a power liftgate). For vehicles with a manual liftgate, ground for the liftgate latch is provided through circuit GD150 (BK/WH).
DTC B2666 - is an on-demand DTC that sets when the SJB detects a short to ground from the liftgate release switch input circuit.
DTC B273A - is an on-demand DTC that sets when the SJB detects a short to ground from the liftgate latch release output circuit.
DTC B273B - is an on-demand DTC that sets when the SJB detects an open or short to voltage from the liftgate latch release output circuit.

Possible Causes
• Circuit CPL45 (BN) open or short to ground
• Circuit CPL10 (GN/WH) open, short to ground or voltage
• Circuit GD150 (BK/WH) open
• Liftgate release switch (integral to the liftgate release handle)
• Liftgate release motor (integral to the liftgate latch)
• Power liftgate module
• SJB

Your best bet is to take it to the dealer !

If it's not unlocking, The only way o get it open is pop off the trim piece that goes around the window. On the bottom panel there might be two screws to remove on each side. If not then it will pop off to a point, because there are screws on the bottom you can't access. Pull it back and reach down and find the rods that go to the latch. usualy the one that is horizontal is the one that unlocks the hatch. move it left or right to unlock it, try the handle to see if it opens. If it doesn't reach again and open it from the other rod. Pull up on it. Good luck

It is possible to open from the outside. Remove the plastic piece that broke off from the outside of the tailgate. Use a penlight and you will see the mechanism. Get a small screwdriver and place into the hold...You can feel it spring when you have it in the right place...Push down on the screwdriver to make the mechanism pull the release cable. Make sure the vehicle is unlocked..It should work...My mechanic can open it in 10 secs with this method.

Has the recall been done to the liftgae ? If not see your local Ford dealer for an appointment.

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

2006 ford expedition tailgate want open

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

Sounds like you have a wiring problem to your liftgate. Check the wires where they come out of the body, and go into the liftgate. If they are good, check fuses, or possibly a module.