Outside Handle - Will Not Open Lifgate

89ford03

LIFTGATE - HARD TO OPEN - STATION WAGONS BUILT BEFORE 7/18/88

Article No. 89-4-2

LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1988 TRACER


ISSUE: A liftgate that will not open when using the outside handle may be caused by the latch assembly, latch release, and handle flexing during operation.

ACTION: Install a new design handle, latch assembly, and latch release that are reinforced to stop the assemblies from flexing. Refer to the following procedure for service details.


NOTE: ALL THREE COMPONENTS MUST BE REPLACED TO RESOLVE THE CONCERN.

FIGURE 1:

1. Remove the trim panel and watershield from the liftgate.

2. Remove the two bolts that hold the latch release to the bottom of the liftgate.

3. Disconnect the latch release rod from the latch assembly, Figure 1.

4. Disconnect the liftgate ajar wire connector from the latch assembly, Figure 1.

5. Remove the rod from the lock knob, Figure 1.

6. Remove the rod from the lock cylinder, Figure 1.

7. Remove the two bolts that hold the latch assembly and remove the latch assembly.

FIGURE 2:

8. Remove the two bolts holding the handle to the liftgate and remove the handle, Figure 2.

9. Install a new handle, latch assembly and latch release by reversing Steps 1 through 8.

PART NUMBER PART NAME CLASS

E8GY-74430A70-A Handle C
E8GY-7443150-A Latch Assembly C
E8GY-7443145-A Knob/Latch Release C

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Basic Warranty Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
890402A 0.4 Hr.
DEALER CODING:
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
743150 33
OASIS CODES: 1200