'96 850 Tailgate Lock Issue

Tinwood · Post by **Tinwood** » 26 Apr 2019, 17:08

It seems that my tailgate locking/latch mechanism has failed. I cannot get the tailgate unlocked/open using either the fob or the dash unlock button. Tried the outside latch handle but it won't work. Even tried using the inside handle and still can't get the tailgate open. Any ideas as to how to, first, get the tailgate open and secondly, get the mechanism to open/close/lock/unlock again? I can hear the solenoid working but nothing happens when trying to use the inside or outside latch. I suspect that the release mechanism has somehow come apart but I can't get the tailgate open to get to the inner door mechanism to see what the problem is.

Post by **abscate** » 26 Apr 2019, 17:14

You will have to remove the rear trim to get access to the release.

See thread below on the mechanism

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=84018

Tinwood · Post by **Tinwood** » 27 Apr 2019, 08:17

Thanks for the info. Do I assume that for my '96 that the mechanism is a non-two stage lock? Is the info shown in the referenced thread for the two stage lock the same for my vehicle? What is the proper procedure for removing the rear trim (not having attempted this before)?

Post by **erikv11** » 27 Apr 2019, 09:38

You don’t need to remove any trim, you would break it if you had to.

Crawl back there and use a large torx, I think it is t50, to unscrew the latch from the floor of the cargo area. Two bolts. Then open the gate and deal with it from there.

Post by **erikv11** » 27 Apr 2019, 09:39

Oh and both of my 96 wagons were/are two stage locks.

Tinwood · Post by **Tinwood** » 28 Apr 2019, 08:41

Thanks erikv11.

Post by **DeadEric** » 28 Apr 2019, 09:05

Make sure the handle on the outside isn't stuck pulled toward you (opening) position. I've had it where you squeeze it to open and it doesn't spring back. Being stuck in that position can interfere with the lock.

Tinwood · Post by **Tinwood** » 28 Apr 2019, 09:15

Thanks for that tip DeadEric.