ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: LongRod on March 07, 2004, 07:33:59 AM
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I recently obtained a 94 two door ragtop Tracker with automatic transmissin. The tailgate won't open! The key goes in and turns 90 degrees in each direction. The previous owner told me to just press the handle hidden under the license plate light hood. There is a handle up there but it won't budge no matter what position the key in. All the owner's manual says is to unzip the rear window (which I did). There is no movement in the rear tailgate at all so I'm pretty sure it's closed all the way. I tried to pull down on the edge of the handle thinking that maybe it didn't properly reset but it will move neither up nor down and seems completely frozen. I also tried spraying the latch mechanism and keyway with WD-40. It's like the door is welded shut. Nothing moves. Does anyone have any ideas? ???
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Are you pushing or pulling? ;D
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My Sidekick for a while had a hard time getting the back door to open because the actual handle above the license plate was seized in the open position. Do you know what I mean? Like when your first grab a hold of it and clench your hand to pull the handle towards you to unlock the tailgate. It stayed seized that way until I had to physically push/pull it back towards the door again to reset the lock mechanism. You might have to pull the tailgate cover off and lube the whole mechanism. This worked mighty well and I've had no problems since then.
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Are you pushing or pulling?  ;D
Well I've tried pushing, pulling, prying, twisting, pounding and kicking. So far I've resisted the temptation to use explosives. :-/
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My Sidekick for a while had a hard time getting the back door to open because the actual handle above the license plate was seized in the open position.  Do you know what I mean?  Like when your first grab a hold of it and clench your hand to pull the handle towards you to unlock the tailgate.  It stayed seized that way until I had to physically push/pull it back towards the door again to reset the lock mechanism.  You might have to pull the tailgate cover off and lube the whole mechanism.  This worked mighty well and I've had no problems since then.
I think you may have nailed the problem. What is involved in pulling off the tailgate cover and can it be done with the tailgate stuck closed? ???
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Yes, but it's a pain.
Fold the seat forward and pull the plastic rivets around the panel.
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Don't pull the buttons. push the center of the buttons in alittle This way they won't break.
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Do what lil_Truck and HotRod just said.
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Don't pull the buttons. push the center of the buttons in alittle This way they won't break.
Actually I've busted all but three of those things...I don't know where to buy more. I can't find them at any of the auto stores. Would a Suzuki dealership have them? ???
I'm just about ready to buy some stainless steel screws of the right size to bolt the panel up.
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Yes, you push them in, BUT be carful. They will push in about a 1/8 of an inch and stop. If your not carful you can push them all the way in and you'll lose them in the door.
As for finding them, other then the dealer, have you seen the Red "Help" section like at Auto Zone? They have some that will work their.
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I broke some of mine and went to the dealer. Ifyou don't have a suzuki dealer near by try the chevy lot I think the cost a buck each. Ouch!!
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Thanks for the info, boys.
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 Well I've tried pushing, pulling, prying, twisting, pounding and kicking. So far I've resisted the temptation to use explosives. :-/
;D :o ;D :o ;D
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Take the money and invest in some dimond plate for the back pannel I did the whole back of my 4door for 40 bucks for the alluminiun and the teck screws that i used
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Actually I've busted all but three of those things...I don't know where to buy more.  I can't find them at any of the auto stores.  Would a Suzuki dealership have them?  ???
I'm just about ready to buy some stainless steel screws of the right size to bolt the panel up.
Visit a Junkyard (if you can walk through one) and take a bunch off one that is in a junkyard. You might also ask Hawk, I bet they have a bunch!
Heather
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Take the money and invest in some dimond plate for the back pannel I did the whole back of my 4door for 40 bucks for the alluminiun and the teck screws that i used
Do you have any pics of this? I think that would look sweet.....Did you have to make the bends yourself? Thanks Andrew
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Visit a Junkyard (if you can walk through one) and take a bunch off one that is in a junkyard. You might also ask Hawk, I bet they have a bunch!
Heather
Oh wow! That's a good idea, thanks! ;D
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I visited two Suzuki dealerships during my escapades at work and one wanted $3.50 CDN for each button!! :o And they didn't even have them in stock, they had to order them in.
The other dealership wants $2.50 for them and they have them in stock. I guess I'll buy them a couple at a time. Damn wrecking yards don't have squat.
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My Tracker had the same problem (91' tintop). I got tired of dicking around with it so I cut off the little hoop that the door latches too and just screwed on of those sliding bar latch deals on it and use a bunjie strap to keep it from vibrating and clunking around. :D