Tailgate jamming and defroster

[Dan G]

Ok FSJ gurus, I've got a few problems...

Right side tailgate latch doesn't like letting go.
Release latch doesn't 'spring back', I need to push it down.

I opened the infamous cut your arm off access panel (I've done the window switch already). And liberally sprayed CRC oil in the green can (with the patented MSDS label...) all over the place. This made it EASIER to release the right side latch, but I still ain't happy with the overall function.

I've read most of the topics related to this, my 'braided cloth covered arms' are in good shape. The latches are functioning well and showing no signs of rust (Hallelujah, the FSJ gods are smiling on me!)

How does one remove the release latch to clean up the assembly and get the return spring on the actuating handle to 'return'?

Now the defroster issue... The PO removed the wires to the defroster when he had a window problem and forgot to put them back on (or even in the window cavity) I've got a relay hanging off the window regulator with a 4 wire plug attached to it and a single terminal bare. I'm ASSUMING (and we all know how dangerous that is) that the one terminal goes to one side of the window and the other side of the window gets a wire to ground. First, are my assumptions correct, second, how long are the wires to the glass and how are they routed, and third, where does the ground wire attach to ground? Is it at the same place as the rest of the electrical stuff in the tailgate?

Thanks!!

[sailingjeep]

I don't have answers to all your questions, but I have been working on my tailgate, feel your pain, and thought I would bump your question to the top. My defroster has two wires(black?) that run to each side of the window, they must come from the relay, I can't remember. The relay has the one unused tab and is made hot by the hot red wire that comes from up front. When I am able to get my window back down I'll take a look at it all again and tell you exactly.

I need new channels that the glass goes up and down in. Can I get some kind of generic rubber from the auto store that will go in the metal channels?

[andy d]

i too can add a little info. in order to get that spring to work took me about 8 hours of tlc on the tailgate. first remove the glass. i have drilled 1 3/4" holes on the inside panel for better access to the clips that hold the window frame to the regulator arms. ymmv. then the dew wipe,i think its called, has to be unclipped. now you can remove the latch arms. remove the 2 pairs of screws on the upper corners of the gate. note that the holes are slotted for adjustment. undo the latch handle. with all the stuff out of the way, you can manouver the arms out of the tailgate. free up the rusty pivots and lube them. while you've got the t/g apart,it would be good replace the broken, wornout tracks and such.the various pieces average about 40$ each.

[Dan G]

Thanks guys.

Amazingly, my tracks are in good shape! My dew wipe (poor man's windshield wiper?) had been replaced by the PO (maybe he had the tracks done as well?)

Andy, I don't want to have to take out the glass if necessary. Is this feasible or am I crazy?