To remove the tailgate lock do the following.
1. Open the tailgate.
2. Remove the lower part of the tailgate trim (see "Removing and installing the rear door trim").
3. Disconnect the wiring harness connector from the tailgate lock.
4. Remove the three screws securing the lock to the inner door panel…
5. …and remove the lock.
6. If it is necessary to replace the electric drive of the lock, unscrew the two screws that secure it to the lock mechanism..
7. …push the lock with a screwdriver…
8. …and disconnect the electric drive and the lock mechanism.
9. Assemble and install the tailgate lock in the reverse order of disassembly and removal.
WARNING: Before assembling the lock, "charge" its mechanism by pressing its lever until it clicks, otherwise the lever will break when installing the electric drive.
10. Install the lower part of the tailgate trim (see "Removing and installing the rear door trim").
To remove the tailgate lock latch do the following.
1. Remove the rear panel trim (see "Removing and installing trunk trim").
2. Remove the two screws securing the latch to the rear panel…
3. …and remove the latch.
4. Install the tailgate lock latch in the reverse order of removal.
5. Install the rear panel trim.
6. If the slamming of the tailgate is accompanied by the lock lever hitting the latch, adjust the position of the latch by using a screwdriver from inside the trunk…
7. …and remove the plugs in the rear panel trim, located above the latch mounting screws on the right…
8. ...and to the left of the window for the passage of the lock in the cladding.
9. Loosen the two latch mounting screws through the holes in the trim and, by moving the latch in the transverse or longitudinal direction, achieve a smooth slamming of the door. Then tighten the latch mounting screws.
10. Install the hole plugs in the rear panel trim.
To remove the tailgate release button do the following.
1. Remove the decorative trim of the tailgate (see "Removing and installing the decorative trim of the rear door").
2. Squeeze the tabs located on the sides of the tailgate release button…
3. …and remove the button from the socket on the overlay.
4. Install the parts in the reverse order of removal.
[This article is a copy from the website FORDBOOK]