2002 Mazda Tribute rear liftgate lock replacement

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!

It is definately the locking mechanism. .same issues with mazda tribute and mercury mariner ford escape...you will need to remove the panel to replace it..m

If you can find the switch in the doors, you can open 1 door at a time and activate the switch by hand. If the light goes out, check the next door switch. If the light does not go off, replace that switch. If neither switch has any effect, then you have a short in the wiring.

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.

Could be a plastic clip broke on the lever. Best thing to do is remove the liftgate panel and look for a rod hanging or broken clip.

The rear door lock actuator needs to be replaced. If you have the dealer do it you will pay $300.00+. If you do it, you can do it in an hour for about $20.00. Just buy a universal actuator kit that looks similar to the one already in there from the factory. Do A Google Search on "Mazda Tribute Rear Door Lock Actuator" to find sources for them.

This is a VERY common problem on Ford Escapes and Mazda Tributes, all years. I am surprised there has not been a recall on this.

You need to call Mazda and report this problem. This has been a huge problem with many of these vehicles. Mazda needs to know about it. 1800-222-5500

was the window replaced ?there is a wiring harness that needs to be hooke dup

i believe there is a switch in the trunk compartment to the left hand side that enables this button to function check that out....

try the key