2008-2012 Ford Escape Liftgate Latch Won't Open- Access, Diagnosis & Repair

You can get the latest parts from Ford Here-
Latest Latch and Actuator Assembly 2008- 8L8Z-7843150-B
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000...
Latest Latch and Actuator Assembly 2009-2012- 9L8Z-7843150-B
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A...
I show you how to change the weatherstrip Here-
• 2008-2012 Ford Escape ...
Latest Liftgate Glass Weatherstrip ALL Years- BL8Z-7842084-C
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T...
In this video I show you how to gain access, how to diagnose and replace the faulty part.
Check me out on Facebook-
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[@DelWinston]

Thanks so much. Ford dealer wanted $275 for parts and labor to work on my 2011 Ford Escape. With your video I saved $175. You are the man!

[@cgwingard523]

I'm not a mechanic by any means, but this video was super simple to understand and follow. Didn't replace the latch mechanism itself (budget woes), but a split ring on the actuator arm, and a double loop of para-cord up to the top of the panel, makes a great temporary manual release until I can afford that replacement mechanism. Open the glass, pull the para-cord and up the liftgate goes! Thank you for making a very frustrating (for me) experience manageable until my finances are a little better!

[@williamburns9372]

P

[@scottjaynes169]

I would like to see what you did.

[@frankofthenorth]

I tried to do it with a length of baling wire, but, somehow it catches in an odd fashion. Paracord! I will try that.

[@darring.9161]

Just fixed one of these Actuators for a Lady today who has a 2011 Ford Escape! She was very relieved because at one point the actuator only worked in the Winter Weather...but would fail in the Warmer Weather. I did this before watching the video, but I did it exactly as you did. My guess was that the locking latch may have been gunked up and too stiff for the actuator motor to pull it open when the weather was warm, and maybe some resistance to expansion the latch when it was warm outside or hot in the car. Come winter, it contracted just enough to allow the mechanism to open the latch more easily. The solution here was Throttle Body Spray Cleaner and some Silicone Spray afterwards. Works great now, but at least I'll know how to replace the Actuator should it fail down the road! Great Vid...Thanks!

[@randyrather8438]

Your tutorial was spot on. The repair went exactly as you showed and cost me less than $30. Thank you so much for this.

[@701cabman]

5 years later and your video is still helping people! I had the back panel undone and the tailgate open in about 5 minutes. Have only been able to open the glass for probably a month now. Going to order the new weatherstripping (for the back glass that leaks inside) and then replace the actuator motor for the tailgate. For now I am leaving the back panel off so I can manually open the tailgate when needed. Appreciate you!

[@tsilveira5866]

I also want to thank you for the well made video and step by step instructions. You undoubtedly saved me a few hundred dollars in repair work at the dealer. Thank you once again.

[@niellandeg]

O

[@jonkocen]

Thanks for making it look so easy. After 8 years your videos are still being used to help us out here.

[@brianbaker359]

Absolutely the best auto mechanic for Ford vehicles on KZbin. Excellent video, audio, editing complimented by exceptional experience and explaining every detail to perfection.

[@jessicawren3783]

Used this video yesterday to replace a broken actuator on our 09 Escape. Thank you SO much for your very easy to follow instructions and clear images and helpful tips! It worked just the way you instructed.

[@pinktracker]

I had a similar problem on my daughters 2014 Ford Escape and this video was WONDERFUL in helping us get the gate open and repairing the problem! Thank you so much for posting this video and making it very easy to understand and follow for us non-mechanics who don't want to spend $100+ to have a dealer fix the problem!

[@taylorbetts3745]

My back hatch stopped working months ago. It has literally been such a drag. I found this video, and you showed me out to switch them out... so I did it. IT WORKED!! I'm so thankful. I saved so much money doing it myself. THANK YOU!!

[@jlauing]

I rarely leave KZbin comments, but like many of the other folks on here, I saved hundreds of dollars by avoiding the dealership thanks to this very informative video. Thank you!!!

[@Soundofcats99]

Thank you SO much for this- the whole job took 24 minutes, what took a LONG time was finding an (apparently rare-ish) T27 driver, I didn't have one in my set, MORE thanks for calling out the size!!!

[@my1969mgb]

Just got done installing the referenced latch/motor I bought on Ebay. Thanks to your video instructions, the installation was done without much trouble- only problem was one of the trim clips came off and was not so easy to expand and re-install on the hatch interior cover. Anyway, unit works, girlfriend is HAPPY, I'm glad it works, and we are very appreciative of your help.

[@ceeweedsl]

Best Videos out there. You are the rarest kind of mechanic in our culture that cares about what you are doing and care to do it right. Props to you for that and then you clearly explain and show, with clear camera work and lighting. Doesn't get any better than your series of videos. Your series alone makes owning a Ford work for me. If only they understood, Ford would be paying you for these.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

New video out on how to replace the weatherstrip that is causing the leak-kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHnHpIOJeceZqa8

[@blakehutson5374]

+FordTechMakuloco Great. Thanks for making this video and showing this repair. I appreciate your help!

[@mauricebecnel8808]

Thank you...I watched your video twice and fixed my tailgate in maybe 20 minutes....it’s been broken for two years...can’t thank you enough.

[@jasonlevine7612]

Thank you for this video. I haven't fixed it yet, but being able to manually get my hand in there to open the liftgate has been invaluable!

[@blissbelief7772]

Thank you!!!!! We were about to leave for a long distance move when suddenly the hatch wouldn’t open. We followed the steps as demonstrated and got it open!! A huge weight of worry has been relieved and we are so grateful. Thanks again!!

[@lola10709]

This is excellent. Thanks so much for taking the time to put this together. This helped me do the repair at home and get my car back in action! You rule 100%.

[@rainbow-vp4df]

One of the best demonstration ever seen. Easy to follow. Saved me hundreds of dollars. Thank you.

[@missviv2]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! The first part of this tutorial just saved a girls weekend away! I went to load up the car and the rear door latch wouldn’t open. I found your tutorial and got to the point where you showed how to get it open and the shroud removed. It stayed off until we were back and I could get the part. The rest of your tutorial was great, as always to replace it! Thank you again for saving us all!

[@Kciphonedoctor]

This happened to my Escape Also!! Great Videos! I am so glad you make these. Mike W.

[@michellefern9570]

Ford should have had a recall on this. Jesus!!

[@johnnysmith9742]

Michelle Fern but they won’t because it’s ford and if they had to take accountability for every shit thing that breaks after 5 years they’d be out of buisness 🙂

[@Dexy83]

My mechanic said the same thing! Such BS!

[@samanthaleisher397]

Michelle Fern you’re telling me. Had this problem today. Fuck ford. I’ve had so many problems with my escape that are apparently escape problems. They won’t help you with anything. It’s all about money.

[@thesurvivalist.]

Many recalls, can’t wait till the Cyber Truck comes out, going to buy one!

[@buttahscotchkisses3133]

Can't get my break light fixed because I can't open the trunk. So pissed! I don't want a ticket

[@conantdog]

I'll second that 👍 your the best on you tube for ford repairs 👍👍👍

[@josecanusee680]

Freakin' KZbin is awesome! I just did this on the old ladies 2010 Mariner & took about 15 minutes of which 5 were rounding up tools! I didn't follow your video exactly because the latch was working intermittently & got it open w/o having to pop it from the inside. Bought a cheap unit from Amazon, had the exact same casting # s on it & fit & worked perfectly! Ya-freaking-hoo!!

[@gangbanggod]

Youre the man 2023 and youre still helping the world🔥

[@JoeCarlinCA]

OMG you saved me so much money and headache! On Tuesday I noted the problem. I googled the problem and came to here, got the panel off, figured out it was the actuator on my 2009 Ford Escape, ordered the part on Amazon, came Thursday afternoon, within about 15 minutes, it was replaced and back together again! Thank you!

[@parkerowen2416]

Thank you so very much for this clear and concise video. I was quoted almost $800 from the Ford dealership, but repaired it for the price of the part ($100) in about 20 minutes. Much appreciated!

[@myZcarlife]

Thank you for taking the time to document this. I got the solenoid swapped out in about half an hour.

[@tjclass8154]

Thank you for this. You saved me hundreds of dollars with this video and your video on replacing the weatherstripping. Replacing the actuator took about 20 minutes, until I had one problem. My hiccup was with one of the plastic clips that hold the inside plastic cover to the lift gate. These clips are plastic with a metal clip on the end. All of them worked great except one! On the bad one, the metal clip came off the plastic and stayed in the lift gate. Didn't notice it until I tried putting the cover back on. I had to use needle-nose pliers and a small flathead screwdriver to get the metal clip out. These clips have 4 teeth that dig into the plastic. I had to stretch out the metal clip, then bend the teeth to the correct angle. Then I placed it on the plastic and clamped down with pliers. Looking at the working clips shows you how they are supposed to work. The one I fixed will probably fail again, but it's snug until then.

[@michaelhanson1837]

Thank you so much for your effort to show us regular people how to do this replacement. I understand pre-early 1970s cars and was intimidated to do work on my 2009 Escape. This video is good for anybody that has any sort of skills toward working on cars or mechanical things. I did not know how much time it would take for the repair and I wish there was some sort of estimate given in the video of the expected time to complete the work. I thought I would bungle something and get some sort of problem, but no problems at all doing the work. All in all I can say this is a 45 minute repair for someone like me who is a shade tree mechanic... I know this video saved me several hundred dollars at a dealership to get the repair done. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! A+++++

[@armoredbeliever1510]

The best auto repair channel on KZbin, it's like having my own Ford Tech on call :-)

[@billowens7741]

I just watched this youtube video and changed the actuator in my wife's 2009 Ford Escape. Entire job took 20 minutes, beginning to end....well done......

[@charlesc1687]

You just saved my mother-in-law $600 as quoted from Ford. I was able to fix it and the panel clamps thanks to your video. BTW, I was astounded to find out my wife tossed out my crowbar. I was able to use my very largest screw driver the same way you showed with the crowbar. Thank you!!!!!

[@dclj12]

You are the man! I tested the release button with a 12v marker light. Thanks for all the links to bring this problem full circle. Very easy to do!

[@ry_view]

Just got my trunk open when i really needed it because of this video. Thank you!

[@jenniferbaker5167]

When I first noticed my liftgate wasn't opening I googled the issue and watched this video to see what the issue was. I have always known about the leaking window, but didn't think it would burn my door motor out. Either way, I haven't been able to fix it yet as it is winter time, but my rear directional and brake light went out and I bought the bulbs forgetting I needed to open the liftgate to replace them. I remembered your video and was able to get the liftgate open and replace the bulb thanks to you! The actuator will have to wait until the summer because I froze my hands just being out there 20 minutes to get this job done. Thank you so much for this video!

[@88jscott88]

My problem ended up being a wire that corroded and broke inside a connector that's between the switch and harness that runs along the tailgate. Another great video from Makuloco, straight to the point with tips from experience. You've helped me many times be a troubleshooter, not only a parts changer!

[@theodorecanfield4405]

I have a 2010 Ford Escape and I had the same problem getting in the rear hatch. Because you took the time to make this video and making it a step by step I was able to fix my vehicle. So a BIG thanks ! Ted

[@HeavyDuty2A]

How can idiots give a thumbs down to this video? This video helped me replace the unit in my Mariner, and I'm not mechanically inclined. Great video with excellent detail. Great job! Thanks a million.

[@kccrampton3636]

Thanks a million for your help. This was exactly the right fix for my car and you made it super simple for all to do/understand.

[@ItsColdUpHereFilms]

I fixed my Granddad's escape in 30 minutes because of your video. I bought the replacement motor for 200 CAD. Simple, painless, works great. Thank you! -Keegan

[@AceDublB]

Another excellent video, you are the best in the business with your detail, video quality and description of every possible scenario to diagnose and make the repair. Thank you.

[@mariefelice3184]

Thank you SO MUCH. I had just went to a car repair place and they wanted to charge me $300 just to open my trunk! Not to mention the light that had to be fixed! My lord, thank god people like you exist cause that would’ve been a waste of $300+ and 2 hours of my time.

[@CoreyMinter]

I was quoted $400 parts and labor. The guy actually told me he was going to have to spend hours getting it open. I followed your very clear instructions and had it open in 3 minutes. Just ordered part for $100. You are a skilled teacher.

[@kaylasummers6068]

What part did you order

[@CoreyMinter]

@@kaylasummers6068 I found my old email receipt. On my 2009 Escape, part was "Genuine Ford 9L8Z-7843150-B Tailgate Latch Assembly"

[@ChrisWoodBandit]

man you are the best at explaining this stuff i have ever seen. Thank you for taking the time to make this.

[@douglasreed5685]

Thanks! The repair went perfect. I changed both the actuator and switch just to make sure. Keep the great Escape videos coming!

[@mwendt09]

Thanks for a clear and easy to follow video!!! I am a 37 yr old women who never worked on any vehicle. My tail light was out and now I HAD to get the latch fixed since the screws are under the hatch door. BTW, the hatch has not opened for almost a year! I saved $$$ getting the latch actuator from amazon and fixed this by myself!!!! Oh yeah!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

+Melissa Wendt nice!

[@rogerjdf]

Thank you sir!!! I just replaced mine the other day. I couldn’t have done it without your video. Thank you again

[@marangelysbello]

Best video ever!

[@RonVuggotta]

L P

[@jamespanzanaro1775]

That was a great complete and comprehensive video I don't know how anyone would give that a thumbs down.

[@barrynelson634]

I want this guy working on my Ford rigs! He's very efficient and not a rammer jammer hit it harder type fella. Awesome video and yes, it worked perfectly to fix my issue...which unfortunately was just a loose connection, that I just now had to go through a second time. Dang washboard dirt roads!

[@roblbate49]

I was quoted around $500 for parts and labor. Got the OEM Ford part for half price on Amazon and your excellent video had me finished in 15 minutes. Thank you!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

+Bob Nice!!!

[@Spycie775]

Thank you so much for posting this!!! I’m trying to sell my Ford Escape and ofcourse this happens right before lol thank you!

[@michaelnicoletti500]

This just happened to my neighbors 2010 escape and I'm going to to the repair for him since I have the same car. This video was a good refresher since I haven't done one of these in a while. Thank you!

[@CameronMackenzie]

Thank you for posting this video and the link for the part. I had been just dealing with it for about a year and it finally fully gave out on me. Just got it done in about 10minutes.

[@jtugfestiva]

I work at a ford dealership too and your videos has helped me many times with the cars that come in. It saves me a bunch of time.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Good to hear!

[@toddbuh]

great video ! I had no idea where to start until i saw this video, Oreilly auto parts wanted $120, but rockauto has these for $55. I ordered the part and used a wire loop on latch to open door until part comes in

[@carolsnowberger9385]

Cant find it on rockauto what is it called

[@cacooke77]

Thank you for this video. I replaced the rear latch and the rear window struts in less than 15 minutes for a total cost of $40! Thanks for all the informative videos!!

[@jamesbeaty4880]

Thanks for the share, great clip.

[@NicholasJOrman]

Much appreciated! My girlfriends break light/blinker was out so we were able to open the back and access them because of your video! Thanks for sharing!

[@Forever-411]

I’m having that same issue as well. Life saver this guy is!

[@stevecalvin]

THANK YOU! Your video probably saved me a couple of hundred dollars at a dealership! The switch was simple after viewing your video - total time - about 30 minutes (and that included finding the dielectric grease in the garage! ;) ) 2009 Escape XLT

[@pollyburroughs5843]

THANK YOU for this! It was just the thing that was needed for my son to fix the liftgate problem on my 2010 Ford Escape.

[@deniscarlos553]

Great tutorial! Just replaced the liftgate latch on my girlfriends 2010 Mariner. Easy job thanks to your video. Thanks!

[@oscarmartinez9982]

Thanks for the video, it was very helpful!

[@John-jy5zc]

Watched your video and replaced the part in minutes. Great instructions. Thanks for posting!

[@jakemchugh1033]

Thank you for the instructions. Saved me from having to take it to the shop. I'll be following it up with the new seal you talked about. Thanks again!

[@AndresMurciaandresmurcia83]

great video! I've been looking for this ages !! thanks

[@Dogfun251]

Great tutorial. Thanks for making it.

[@vettewrangler]

Great video. Bought new part on EBAY for $68. shipped, took 35 minutes to install & SAVED over $200. by doing it myself . . . with your help. Thanks.

[@chrismlastname]

Thank you!! My latch acts up whenever it gets wet, opening and airing it out saved me the price of a new switch

[@Mojosierra]

Thank you so much for this video. Just replaced it and it took me about 10 minutes total. Excellent job sir

[@jeffk7273]

Perfect instructions here. This took me all of 15 minutes total to replace. Thanks, Good as new!!!

[@marcharris4176]

Thank Brian! Your the best dude for ford on youtube hands down!

[@paulhinz5728]

Awesome video and instructions. Makes it very easy for someone with mechanical capabilities to easily change this. My son and I did this in under 30 min. Thanks!!

[@jerrymullen9661]

You are the man!! You made it so easy!!

[@menseekingtomahawks]

This video was extremely helpful. Thank you.

[@florjuarez9300]

Thank you this helped out a lot. IT'S FIXED!!! THANKS!!!

[@patcowles4239]

Love all your videos, very knowledgeable!

[@billschimpf8545]

Just did mine in about a half hour. Thanks for the thorough instructions

[@jpierce1987]

Thank you. Found the part for $23 on Amazon! Thanks to you it only took about ten minutes! 😁

[@judahb9576]

Thank you so much for the videos! I was easily able to change my own weatherstrip and actuator with your assistance. Great level of detail! I was confident and had no questions after watching. Thanks for the replacement part links too! Incredibly helpful!

[@stormhockeyboyhawks1587]

Excellent video. Thank you so much. after I watched your video, I bought the part on Ebay, and repalce it myself. Btw, I am a 12 yeard old son’s mom. Now I can take my son to play golf and put our bags in the trucks easily . Thank you again. Best wishes for you.

[@JamesSmith-ob9yd]

Great tutorial, took me about 15 minutes, most of that just collecting the tools I needed. The tip about lining the panel up with the center taillight before snapping it on was a huge help.

[@Mrocax]

Awesome video, thanks for the fix. In my case it was the actuator but the little plastic link is what failed and caused the issue. Super easy replacement and great guide!

[@raytorres4928]

Thank you for your clear and easy to follow video. Was a great help, fixed the problem In about 20 minutes. The wife is a happy camper again. Will look for your video's in the future for other problems.

[@birch1863]

Thanks for posting the video - very helpful. I was able to open up the rear lift gate on a 2011 Escape in minutes after watching. The 2 inch plastic interconnect piece on the actuator was broken. Since no one sells that little plastic piece and only the full assembly @ $185 Canadian at the Ford dealer and $155 on Amazon, I spent the time making up a metal interconnect. $0 repair ! (Subscribed for future repairs)

[@huntinsker]

Great video. Thanks for the work involved.

[@kwangnam9993]

I don't have a problem with this but just stopped by to watch the instructions. This is a top notch video and will subscribe! Awesome video!!

[@TheMartyheredia]

You're awesome!!! Found a broken plastic part. going to dealer now.

[@sedwards57]

Thanks for helping me fix my car. You were a money saver for sure.

[@nxc6570]

Thanks! This video is so great, I've decided to subscribe to your channel

[@mrgebauer704]

Just watched your video and easily replaced the latch mechanism. Thank you for posting. Probably saved me $300.

[@kaiserwilli]

Once again, you have the solution to fix my escape My hero Thanks so much!!!

[@sgerbig]

Worked like a charm! Thank you so much.

[@mad9039]

I just changed the liftgate actuator a few minutes ago (2012) Couldn't have done it with out your video! Thanks a lot!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

+Matt Dinzey Awesome!

[@Zombievtx]

Thanks for the great video. No need to go to the dealer now !

[@bruhsam]

Thank you so much for this clear demonstration and especially the trips and ticks to make it easy!

[@AISHAIKHU]

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR MAKING SUCH A WONDERFUL, EASY TO UNDERSTAND DIY VIDEO ON REPLACING THIS PART. I have 2009 Mazda Tribute that shares the same specs. as Ford escape. I have both this liftgate problem along with the lift gate glass hinges rust problem. Your other video on the hing replacement is also wonderful so thank you again. I live in Toronto Canada and parts here are even more money. Anyhow I have couple of questions if you could please help me. 1. I have removed the inside panel to see the latch.When i press the release button to lift the lifegate from out side, i could see inside little movment of the latch but it doesn't open/pull the lock all the way up to release the lock. So i assume it is the Actuator Assembly problem and not the wiring or switches because i could see little movement and click'n noise inside but it just doesn't pull enough to release. Please help cuz i already ordered the parts. 2. Can we rebuild the motor part inside the actuator assembly. If Yes...any idea how? God bless you and thank you again for this helpful video.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

AISHAIKHU Your best bet is to just replace the actuator itself instead of the whole latch that will save you some. I have not seen one rebuild kit for those actuators. Best to just replace.

[@AISHAIKHU]

FordTechMakuloco I am updating these comments just to thank you again. I did this today and thanks God worked out great. You save me a lot of money on labor. Thank you and my next project is my lift gate glass hinge replacement. I will use your helpful hinge replacement video on KZbin for that too. Big thanks from Canada.

[@williamcastro2671]

AISHAIKHU cu