Tailgate will not open; handle will not move - 1991 Nissan Pickup

Does handle feel connected to anything? Spray wd-40 into latch area. Push in while moving handle then pull.

will glass pop open with remote or key ,whe nyou turn handle if so you may need to remove tailgate trim panel to acess handle assy so you can open it by moving lock rods inside tailgate panel

Check to see if you can take out the tailgate handle and see if the unit is still connected to both arms that moves to release the pins are still connected and or broken.

Remove the inner pannel. Then move the handle the connecting rod from the handle to the lock will move.Then pull or push the connecting rod helping the handle. When you get it open move the handle again if it moves freely then most likely the catch needs adjusting to adjust loosen the screws aroung the catch on the rear pannel move the catch out a little try closing the tailgate if it takes undue force to close then repeat moving the catch out until it is easy to shut simple rule is if it is hard to close then it will be hard to open! Leave the inner pannel off until you can easily open the tailgate with the handle as you may have to give the handle a helping hand to open until you have finished adjusting.

Try checking that the handle in the tailgate returns to the 'open' postion. Once in a while, usually during/after the winter, the tailgate handle gets stuck in the 'pressed in' postion. I have to use WD-40 or some other lubricant to get the handle working again, which allows me to unlock and open the tailgate.

Mine just did the exact same thing. The latch may be moving freely because it is not hooked to the latching mechanism anymore. In my case, the handle had broken where the handle hooks to the rod that operates the mechanism. Go to the Ford dealer and buy a new handle. Here in S.C. it was $24. You can't get this at the parts houses. Start by removing the plastic "Ford" cover that is over the liscense plate lights. You then have to remove the aluminum rivets that hold the handle to the tailgate from the outside and remove the broken latch. Remove the pull handle loop on the interior side of the tailgate (2 screws), unsnap the inside plastic tailgate interior panel, and pull down the black plastic sheeting that is underneath the panel to make access to the mechanism inside of the tailgate. There is also a hard plastic cover that you will see that needs to be pulled loose to open another access hole. Install the new tailgate latch handle by sliding back into the mounting holes and attach with two 10-32 screws and nuts. The new handle will come with a new yellow rod attachment piece on the handle. You will see inside of the tailgate a small rod hanging down, most likeky it will have the same rod attachment piece as the one on the new handle. Note the position of the yellow piece on the rod, as you will connect the new piece in the same place. Once the rod is hooked up, relubricate the metal mechanism with a light machine oil, replace the black plastic cover, replace the black plastic sheeting, (secure with a small amount of duct tape), replace the tailgate interior panel, replace the pull handle loop, shut tailgate, replace "Ford" cover over lights, and you're done!

pull the tire mount lever to swing it open , push the button to raise the glass up then use the handle.

does this van have a button to open the back door? if it does push just like you are opening it and it should unlock itself

these latches break all the time there is alot of aftermarket companys making replacements. just pop one in and you ready to go

I have the solution to every one out there with tailgate lock problems......I had the very same problem but wasnt interested in getting a power lock.......Here goes.....it costs you some wd40 or liquid wrench.....nothing else......open the tail gate.....you will see the screws that hold the handle in place.....take off the two outer screws only....then pop off the handle cover....yes it does come off without breaking.....you will see something shaped like a "C".....it should move back and forth.....with the tailgate closed you should be able to move that "C" back and forth...it swivels on a pivot you can see in the opening above the tailgate handle.......this is the lock mechanism.....mine was seized up.....anyways......with the tailgate still closed squirt some wd40 or liquid wrench in the area directly above the tailgate handle........that "C" thing will move again and your problem is over...email me if you figured it out........
I was delighted with the fix.....and it's so easy to do.....then put everything back in its place......tell everyone you know....