Tailgate won't open...

Dr Nick · Post by **Dr Nick** » Fri Jan 30, 2004 10:30 pm

Need help! What use is a wagon when you can't get the tailgate open??

Background is - we had some snow and ice around here the night before last, -5 degrees C, and I couldn't get my doors to open 'cos they were frozen to the seals. I tried to open the tailgate and get in that way but it wouldn't open either. I pulled pretty hard on the tailgate handle and felt something give but I thought it was just the plastic shroud. Anyhew, the upshot is that I STILL can't get the tail to open.

Can hear the lock work both ways, by remote and key, but the door just won't open. Any ideas?

I've done a search but it doesn't look like anyone else has had this particular issue...

scottzg · Post by **scottzg** » Fri Jan 30, 2004 10:32 pm

got a garage? stick it in there for a few hours

vrg3 · Post by **vrg3** » Fri Jan 30, 2004 10:50 pm

Maybe spray some methanol/water solution into the seams? Windshield washer fluid can do the trick, but more concentrated stuff will do better.

Some people just pour hot water on when doors freeze. I don't know if that's bad for anything.

ciper · Post by **ciper** » Fri Jan 30, 2004 10:51 pm

Bad for any trim parts, Ive seen plastic shatter from that.

scottzg · Post by **scottzg** » Fri Jan 30, 2004 11:01 pm

I've got a better solution, turn the heat waaaay up for a while.

Dr Nick · Post by **Dr Nick** » Fri Jan 30, 2004 11:51 pm

Tried the heat thing already - drove around all day yesterday with the heater on full. All the doors open except the tail...

vrg3 · Post by **vrg3** » Sat Jan 31, 2004 12:16 am

ciper - Which is bad for trim? Methanol solution, hot water, or both?

I can easily understand why hot water would be bad for it... And I could also imagine that enough methanol could hurt rubber or plastic in the long run... But I've used methanol solution to get my car doors open a couple times and everything seems okay. I did wipe it clean afterwards and let it dry.

ciper · Post by **ciper** » Sat Jan 31, 2004 12:48 am

Hot water

LaureltheQueen · Post by **LaureltheQueen** » Mon Feb 02, 2004 5:16 am

have you tried pushing your handle back in towards where its supposed to be, if it didnt bounce back.... Mine gets stuck occasionally, and it wont open til i put it back in place...

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Mon Feb 02, 2004 7:31 am

Good point, Laurel, mine did the same thing. They get rusty and stick. New ones over here are only like $12. Make sure you get a dealer who knows it's just the handle NOT the whole rear trim panel as I had one of those bastards try to sell me that whole piece despite my clear questions - they tried to tell me it was all one part.

Steve

Dr Nick · Post by **Dr Nick** » Mon Feb 02, 2004 9:43 pm

LaureltheQueen wrote:have you tried pushing your handle back in towards where its supposed to be, if it didnt bounce back.... Mine gets stuck occasionally, and it wont open til i put it back in place...

Thanks Laurel - tried that too! It's done that since I bought her about 18 months ago now. I lubed it and it worked better.

I tried to open it from the inside but I can't see how to get the catch to unfasten, or how to remove the inside trim from the door whilst it's still closed.

From a security perspective this is all great, but from the point of view of trying to use my car to it's full potential it's getting a bit annoying now...

Dr Nick · Post by **Dr Nick** » Wed Feb 04, 2004 1:48 am

Fixed it!

Took the inside trim off the door and used the rods inside to get the door open. Felt something click and now it all works perfectly!

legacycentral bbs

A forum for 89-94 BC-BF(BJ) Legacy Owners and Fans

Tailgate won't open...

Tailgate won't open...