QuestionMy 1989 S10 Blazer has a tailgate that consists of a glass window and a tailgate. The lock is broke AGAIN on the tailgate. I can't open the window or the tailgate. HELP. Last time mechanic fixed it...cost $160.00. That was just less than 2 years ago. Really need your help. Thanks.
AnswerHello Marcia,
I will take a stab here.
If you can hear the lock back there clicking, and trying to open, I would take a can of WD40, or something like that, and through any possible access, including a little light prying of the window with something non metal, like a wood or plastic wedge, use the little plastic tube, and liberally hose down the inside in the area of the latch. Operate the butten a bunch, and keep spraying.
Those Blazer type rear ends just beg for dust to cover them, and if you are on dirt roads at all, I'm sure it gets covered.
Have someone hold the tailgate in the closed direction, taking some strain off the latch as you try to open it.
If you manage to get it open, I would consider taking off the inside cover, locating the lock mechanism, see where you could drill a hole that would allow you to stick a screwdriver in and manually unlock it, and do just that.
I would bet it will happen again, and I hate being hostage to a totally electric system.
Stick that little plastic tube inside any key tumbler back there too, if there is one, but just really hose it down inside. That stuff will wash off later.
Of course if there is no clicking, you could have a loose wire connection. The WD40 won't hurt that, but may not help either. While pressing the open button, have someone using their hand be heavily tapping the tailgate in the latch area.
Good luck,
Van
