Ford Expedition Rear Hatch Won’T Open [Problems & Solutions]

There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to load groceries into your Ford Expedition, only to find that the rear hatch won’t open. This is a common problem, and it can be caused by a variety of issues. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot the problem and get your rear hatch open again.

We understand how inconvenient this issue can be, so we’ll do our best to make the troubleshooting process as quick and easy as possible. So if you’re ready to get your rear hatch working again, let’s get started!

Why Ford Expedition Rear Hatch Won’T Open

Cause 1: Broken or stuck hatch release cable

The hatch release cable is a metal cable that connects the hatch release handle to the hatch lock. If the cable is broken or stuck, the hatch will not be able to open.

Cause 2: Faulty hatch lock

The hatch lock is a mechanical or electrical device that prevents the hatch from opening. If the hatch lock is faulty, the hatch will not be able to open.

Cause 3: Jammed hatch latch

The hatch latch is a metal latch that engages with the hatch lock to keep the hatch closed. If the latch is jammed, the hatch will not be able to open.

Cause 4: Faulty hatch actuator

The hatch actuator is an electric motor that opens and closes the hatch. If the actuator is faulty, the hatch will not be able to open.

Cause 5: Electrical problem

There could be an electrical problem with the hatch release switch, the hatch lock, or the hatch actuator. This could prevent the hatch from opening.

How to Troubleshoot: Ford Expedition Rear Hatch Won’t Open

The rear hatch on your Ford Expedition is an important part of the vehicle. It allows you to access the cargo area, and it also provides security for your belongings. If the rear hatch won’t open, it can be a major inconvenience. There are a few different things that could be causing the problem, and it’s important to troubleshoot the issue in order to find the solution.

Possible Causes

There are a few different things that could cause the rear hatch on your Ford Expedition to not open. Some of the most common causes include:

A faulty hatch release mechanism:

The hatch release mechanism is responsible for unlocking the hatch and allowing it to open. If this mechanism is faulty, the hatch will not be able to open.

A jammed hatch latch:

The hatch latch is responsible for holding the hatch closed. If the latch is jammed, the hatch will not be able to open.

A broken hatch cable:

The hatch cable is responsible for operating the hatch release mechanism. If the cable is broken, the hatch will not be able to open.

A faulty hatch motor:

The hatch motor is responsible for operating the hatch lift mechanism. If the motor is faulty, the hatch will not be able to open.

Troubleshooting Steps

To troubleshoot the issue with your Ford Expedition’s rear hatch, you will need to:

1. Inspect the hatch release mechanism:

First, you will need to inspect the hatch release mechanism to see if it is faulty. To do this, open the driver’s side door and look for the hatch release button. Press the button and see if the hatch unlocks. If the hatch does not unlock, the hatch release mechanism is likely faulty.

2. Inspect the hatch latch:

Next, you will need to inspect the hatch latch to see if it is jammed. To do this, open the rear hatch and look at the latch. If the latch is stuck in the closed position, it is likely jammed.3. Inspect the hatch cable:

If the hatch release mechanism and the hatch latch are not faulty, you will need to inspect the hatch cable. To do this, open the rear hatch and look at the cable. If the cable is broken, it will need to be replaced.

4. Inspect the hatch motor:

If the hatch release mechanism, the hatch latch, and the hatch cable are not faulty, you will need to inspect the hatch motor. To do this, open the rear hatch and look at the motor. If the motor is faulty, it will need to be replaced.

Solutions

Once you have identified the cause of the problem, you can then fix it. The solutions for the different causes of the problem are as follows:

Faulty hatch release mechanism:

If the hatch release mechanism is faulty, it will need to be replaced. You can replace the hatch release mechanism yourself, or you can take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.

Jammed hatch latch:

If the hatch latch is jammed, you can try to unjam it by using a lubricant. If you are unable to unjam the latch, you will need to have it replaced.

Broken hatch cable:

If the hatch cable is broken, it will need to be replaced. You can replace the hatch cable yourself, or you can take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.

Faulty hatch motor:

If the hatch motor is faulty, it will need to be replaced. You can replace the hatch motor yourself, or you can take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.

Conclusion

The rear hatch on your Ford Expedition is an important part of the vehicle. If the rear hatch won’t open, it can be a major inconvenience. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can identify and fix the problem so that you can get your rear hatch back in working order.

Also Read: Ford Expedition Rear Heat Not Working

FAQs: Ford Expedition Rear Hatch Won’t Open

Why won’t my Ford Expedition rear hatch open?

There are a few possible reasons why your Ford Expedition rear hatch won’t open. Here are some of the most common causes:

The hatch release cable is stuck or broken: This is the most common cause of a rear hatch that won’t open. The hatch release cable is a small cable that connects the hatch release handle to the hatch release mechanism. If the cable is stuck or broken, it will prevent the hatch from opening.

The hatch release mechanism is stuck or broken: The hatch release mechanism is a small, metal mechanism that connects the hatch release cable to the hatch. If the mechanism is stuck or broken, it will prevent the hatch from opening.

The hatch lock is engaged: The hatch lock is a small, metal lock that prevents the hatch from opening. If the lock is engaged, you will need to disengage it before you can open the hatch.

The hatch is frozen: If the weather is cold, the hatch may freeze shut. You can try heating the hatch with a hair dryer or using a de-icer to thaw it.

How do I fix a Ford Expedition rear hatch that won’t open?

If your Ford Expedition rear hatch won’t open, you can try the following steps to fix it:

1. Check the hatch release cable: First, check the hatch release cable to make sure it is not stuck or broken. You can do this by following these steps:
Open the driver’s side door and look for the hatch release handle.
Pull the hatch release handle and see if the hatch release cable moves.
If the hatch release cable does not move, it is likely stuck or broken and will need to be replaced.
2. Check the hatch release mechanism: Next, check the hatch release mechanism to make sure it is not stuck or broken. You can do this by following these steps:
Open the tailgate and look for the hatch release mechanism.
Use a small screwdriver to pry open the hatch release mechanism.
If the hatch release mechanism is stuck or broken, it will need to be replaced.
3. Check the hatch lock: Next, check the hatch lock to make sure it is not engaged. You can do this by following these steps:
Open the driver’s side door and look for the hatch lock.
Insert a small screwdriver into the hatch lock and turn it to the unlocked position.
If the hatch lock is engaged, it will need to be disengaged before you can open the hatch.
4. Thaw the hatch: If the weather is cold and the hatch is frozen shut, you can try thawing it with a hair dryer or using a de-icer. You can do this by following these steps:
Turn on the hair dryer or de-icer and point it at the hatch.
Allow the hair dryer or de-icer to thaw the hatch for several minutes.
Once the hatch is thawed, you should be able to open it.

What are the safety risks of a Ford Expedition rear hatch that won’t open?

There are a few safety risks associated with a Ford Expedition rear hatch that won’t open. Here are some of the most common risks:

You may not be able to access your belongings in the rear hatch: This could be a problem if you need to access something in a hurry, such as a first aid kit or a spare tire.

You may not be able to get out of the vehicle in an emergency: If you are involved in an accident and your vehicle is totaled, you may not be able to get out of the vehicle if the rear hatch is stuck or broken.

You may be unable to load or unload your children or pets: This could be a problem if you need to take your children or pets to the vet or to the park.

How can I prevent a Ford Expedition rear hatch from not opening?

There are a few things you can do to prevent a Ford Expedition rear hatch from not opening. Here are some tips:

Keep the hatch release cable clean and lubricated: This will help to prevent the cable from sticking or breaking.

Check the hatch release mechanism regularly: Make sure the mechanism is working properly and that there is no debris or rust build-up.

Thaw the hatch if it freezes shut: If the weather is cold, you should thaw the hatch before you