tailgate: unlocking problem

[Richard Rosell]

I have an intermittent problem with my '98 Legacy Outback tailgate lock.
After I lock the car (using the remote), I find that when I attempt to
reopen it the door may not open even though I hear the solenoid move the
internal locking mechanism. If I click the remote, locking and unlocking
it many times, it will eventually work and I can open it. Does anyone have
any idea what the problem might be and how I can fix it?

Thanks,

Richard

 

[Jim]

I have an intermittent problem with my '98 Legacy Outback tailgate lock.
After I lock the car (using the remote), I find that when I attempt to
reopen it the door may not open even though I hear the solenoid move the
internal locking mechanism. If I click the remote, locking and unlocking
it many times, it will eventually work and I can open it. Does anyone have
any idea what the problem might be and how I can fix it?

Thanks,

Richard

I'm not sure if this applies, since my car does not have electronic
lock. However due to corrosion the locking mechanism has a tendency
to stick. In my '97, with the key used to open the tailgate, this
manifests itself in a requirement to turn the key back and forth
several times to get it to unlock (again, not every time I use it),
even though the key appears to turn all the way the first time. The
problem is not in the key slot though. Some WD 40 sprayed up under
the hand grab from time to time helps.

 

[hjmcmaster]

sudden loss of mpg from 25-26 to 20-21. Anyone have any idea why? 2001
Forester S

 

[John]

I have an intermittent problem with my '98 Legacy Outback tailgate lock.
After I lock the car (using the remote), I find that when I attempt to
reopen it the door may not open even though I hear the solenoid move the
internal locking mechanism. If I click the remote, locking and unlocking
it many times, it will eventually work and I can open it. Does anyone have
any idea what the problem might be and how I can fix it?

I found on my 95 with power locks that the lift handle doesn't fully return
to its starting position because of the dirt and salt that collect under
there. So whatever mode the lock mechanism is in is where it will stay. To
get the lift gate to unlock and open I have to seat the handle all the way
down. Some penetrating oil usually does the trick for about a month.

 

[Jim]

I found on my 95 with power locks that the lift handle doesn't fully return
to its starting position because of the dirt and salt that collect under
there. So whatever mode the lock mechanism is in is where it will stay. To
get the lift gate to unlock and open I have to seat the handle all the way
down. Some penetrating oil usually does the trick for about a month.

Ditto without power locks.

 

[Ja]

Ditto with my 98 Legacy - I usually push the hand latch as far to the
returned position after closing the hatch. Then the next time i power
unlock, it usually works. I haven't opened it up but it feels like the
latch return spring could be a bit heftier. The weeny spring combined
with rust and corrosion is a formula for trouble. Periodic WD40 baths
help for a while. I even looked at a 2001 OBW on a dealers lot last
month - low miles and it appeared to be a creampuff. Stuck the first
time I tried it... went thru my routine, then it worked !

Ja

 

[Ja]

Ditto with my 98 Legacy - I usually push the hand latch as far to the
returned position after closing the hatch. Then the next time i power
unlock, it usually works. I haven't opened it up but it feels like the
latch return spring could be a bit heftier. The weeny spring combined
with rust and corrosion is a formula for trouble. Periodic WD40 baths
help for a while. I even looked at a 2001 OBW on a dealers lot last
month - low miles and it appeared to be a creampuff. Stuck the first
time I tried it... went thru my routine, then it worked !

Ja

 

[Larry Van Wormer]

Ditto with my 98 Legacy - I usually push the hand latch as far to the
returned position after closing the hatch. Then the next time i power
unlock, it usually works. I haven't opened it up but it feels like the
latch return spring could be a bit heftier. The weeny spring combined
with rust and corrosion is a formula for trouble. Periodic WD40 baths
help for a while. I even looked at a 2001 OBW on a dealers lot last
month - low miles and it appeared to be a creampuff. Stuck the first
time I tried it... went thru my routine, then it worked !

Ja

FWIW, a friend has a 2000 Legacy that had the same problem when he
bought it. He got at the latch from the inside of the door, partly
dismantled, cleaned and oiled it. So far, just fine after about 18 months.

Larry Van Wormer