How to open tailgate 1965 New Yorker wagon

mopar440

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what's the trick to opening the tailgate? Unfortunately, I don't have the round key which is the key I believe that works in the back hatch.

it looks like you'd push on where the key goes in, but it doesn't move and the lever you see in the window barely moves about a half inch and doesn't seem to do anything

IMG_20191025_171658256.jpg
 
what's the trick to opening the tailgate? Unfortunately, I don't have the round key which is the key I believe that works in the back hatch.

it looks like you'd push on where the key goes in, but it doesn't move and the lever you see in the window barely moves about a half inch and doesn't seem to do anything

View attachment 325467
With the window down, push in at the top of the tailgate while trying to move the lever. It should go all the way over. Sometimes you have to overcome the tension on the latches.
 
With the window down, push in at the top of the tailgate while trying to move the lever. It should go all the way over. Sometimes you have to overcome the tension on the latches.
The window is electric, and won't go down unfortunately. .
 
Just pushed on the outside of the tailgate, tailgate does not seem to move a bet in or out. Had someone on the inside trying to move the lever, lever still won't move
 
Just pushed on the outside of the tailgate, tailgate does not seem to move a bet in or out. Had someone on the inside trying to move the lever, lever still won't move
You will not be able to do it with the window up. I believe there is a latch interlock to prevent this. You will most likely need to access the window mechanism through the access panel on the inside of the tailgate. Not an easy job.
 
The IGNITION key is the key for the tailgate, not the glovebox/trunk key.

If the window does not lower, the tail gate will not open. Even if the lever (located inside) were able to be moved across to release the latches, with the glass up the tailgate would be caught in the glass tracks, and forcing it would simply break the glass.

If the key doesn't make it work at the tailgate, then you'll have to remove the tailgate access panel from the inside and try to put power to one side or the other of the motor wires from a good battery while the negative post is grounded to the car. If the motor is OK, it should move, but if not, then the motor is bad, and you'll need to undo the regulator and motor assembly from the tailgate to release the glass and allow it to lower. Then and ONLY then will you be able to open the tailgate. At any rate, whether the motor is good or bad, please be careful about putting fingers or arms in between the regulator arms on the tailgate glass.
 
The IGNITION key is the key for the tailgate, not the glovebox/trunk key.

If the window does not lower, the tail gate will not open. Even if the lever (located inside) were able to be moved across to release the latches, with the glass up the tailgate would be caught in the glass tracks, and forcing it would simply break the glass.

If the key doesn't make it work at the tailgate, then you'll have to remove the tailgate access panel from the inside and try to put power to one side or the other of the motor wires from a good battery while the negative post is grounded to the car. If the motor is OK, it should move, but if not, then the motor is bad, and you'll need to undo the regulator and motor assembly from the tailgate to release the glass and allow it to lower. Then and ONLY then will you be able to open the tailgate. At any rate, whether the motor is good or bad, please be careful about putting fingers or arms in between the regulator arms on the tailgate glass.
I was hoping you would chime in.
 
Got the inner panel off

Applied power both ways to motor, no go

Can't seem to see a interlock of any sort, and no easy way to manually lower the glass. Service manual is no help

Any ideas?

IMG_20191026_163717765.jpg
 
Just checking - you only apply power (from the battery positive post) to one wire at a time and ground to ground. Make sure the battery is also grounded to the tailgate.

The motor and regulator unbolt from each other, so wedge a piece of wood to prevent any sudden movement from the regulator, and unbolt the motor from the regulator and remove it. You'll have to reach through to access the motor and bolts.

The regulator should then move freely, allowing the glass to lower.
 
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Just checking - you only apply power (from the battery positive post) to one wire at a time and ground to ground. Make sure the battery is also grounded to the tailgate.

The motor and regulator unbolt from each other, so wedge a piece of wood to prevent any sudden movement from the regulator, and unbolt the motor from the regulator and remove it. You'll have to reach through to access the motor and bolts.

The regulator should then movd freely, allowing the glass to lower.
I thought 1 was ground/one was positive? I'll apply power your way, thanks

If that doesn't work, I'll remove the motor

No way to disable the latch mechanism to unlatch it?
 
One wire is UP, the other us DOWN. Power flows to ground in either way through the motor body, simply reversing the motor's direction.

Even if you do manage to release the latches, if the glass is up the door WILL NOT open without breaking the glass. You MUST lower the glass enough to clear the channel in the roof.
 
Wired it correctly, still wont go down

As far as I can see, the motor bolts on BEHIND the regulator. No way to get it off without removing the regulator.

There seems to be s small tab located where the motor gear is (,pic attached) is this sometype of overide? I really don't want to remove the regulator, and risk breaking the window, thanks!

IMG_20191027_101103858.jpg
 
I don't know actually.

So, are you SURE you're getting curreng properly to the motor? I assume you're using a stand alone battery for power... I'm surprised the motor isn't exhibiting some sort of indication it's getting power...

Sorry to keep harping on this... but... make sure the circuit is complete... try grounding the battery you're using directly to the motor body, and ensure that the wires coming from the motor are well connected (whichever one you're choosing). I think it should be brown for down if I recall correctly...

If it's still bad, then yes, the regulator and motor must come out as a unit. There has to be an access hole which allows you to put something in to hold the glass up.
 
I'm using a power probe with a good battery. I've moved to ground around too. I can hear a very light noise from the motor
 
Try tapping lightly on the motor maybe stuck from sitting similar to a solenoid sticking on the starter.if your hearing a noise it must be getting power.somethibg is stuck. Good luck.you could also remove the connections and check for corrosion.
 
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