Chevrolet Repair: 1989 s10 blazer tailgate, s10 blazer 4x4, s10 blazer

Question
I have a 1989 S10 Blazer 4x4.  The tailgate lock is broken and I can't get the tailgate down.  The window part of the latch works fine.  How can I get inside to see what is wrong if I can't get the tailgate down?

Also, the temperature gauge does not work.  How can I check to see if it is the gauge or the the sensor at the engine?  Where is the sensor at the engine located?

Answer
Hi Russ, You need to pull the inside panel away to get at the latch without breaking it. You will need to locate the part/rod that releases the latches on the gate. Now pull or push the rod to unlock the gate.
  The temp gauge problem, locate the temp sensor in the cylinder head and ground the wire. This will make the gauge go to full hot, if it does then the sensor is bad. If not the dash gauge has a problem. I'm not sure which head to look in but I think the drivers side on this year.


Have a Nice Day    Mark