# Liftgate Wont close! **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** explorer, ford\ **Created:** [April 28, 2010, 1:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/liftgate-wont-close/48069 "2010-04-28T01:14:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![sharky4411](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/898d66/32.png) [@sharky4411](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sharky4411)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2010, 1:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/liftgate-wont-close/48069/1 "2010-04-28T01:14:49Z")
My liftgate wont close, the left and right strike pins are out of alignment from a collsion. To make matters worse, trying to slam the gate shut caused the latches on the gate (right and left )to not open anymore. Does anyone know what these are called. They are spring loaded and look like claws. they close when they hit the pins? ---
**Author:** ![oldschool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e19adc/32.png) [@oldschool](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldschool)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2010, 1:22am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/liftgate-wont-close/48069/2 "2010-04-28T01:22:10Z")
I conclude you are going to the parts store and want to know what to call these “latches” because you want to buy new ones? Ask to see the "exploded’ diagram of the tailgate and use the name from the parts list. ---
**Author:** ![edb1961](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/edb1961/32/122_2.png) [@edb1961](https://community.cartalk.com/u/edb1961)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2010, 11:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/liftgate-wont-close/48069/3 "2010-04-28T11:43:17Z")
To get the latches open, turn the handle/key to open the lift gate and use a screwdriver to gently pry open the latches. It’s possible the strike pins are adjustable by loosening the screw at the top of the pin. Good luck, Ed B.