Tailgate lock stuck - door do not lock completely etc.

[rjmiller1968]

I guess this is yet another example of over-engineering: Why, why tailgate need to have its lock automatically locked when it causes problems, malfunctions?

I didn't close the tailgate completely, dashboard light went on indicating tailgate not closed ... and "for my convenience" the automatic locking system has been trying to lock the lock. Later in the day I tried to close the tailgate prtoperly, i.e. completely but .... the lock is "closed", stuck, the tailgate would not close completely.

Attempts to use push button tailgate lock release in driver's door, using remote tailgate lock opening or direct key insterted in tailgate lock ... nothing works to open the stuck closed lock.

Some online advice such as "press unlock tailgate lock on the remote" (or the push buttom release at driver's door) while "pushing with screwedriver at 5 o'clock position" in the lock jaws ... doesnt work.

Risk of short-circuiting lock sensor.

So complicated, so over-engineered.

What one can DIY?

Thanks.

[9-3 Aero]

Fuse #11 in the instrument panel central is verified being ok?

According to information in the WIS, pertaining to MY99 and -00 (you haven't told which year applies) is there a mechanical unlock feature as well, however have I seen such "emergencies" not available when described. This one should be a lock button on the inner handle of the tailgate - do you see it?

FYI: Three modes of tailgate locking are available:
- Speed-dependent;
- Automatic re-locking (time can be selected);
- Automatic locking (time can be selected).

The factory setting for all options is no locking, so apparently is there an owner who choose the "over-engineering" one

[rjmiller1968]

Fuse #11 in the instrument panel central is verified being ok?

According to information in the WIS, pertaining to MY99 and -00 (you haven't told which year applies) is there a mechanical unlock feature as well, however have I seen such "emergencies" not available when described. This one should be a lock button on the inner handle of the tailgate - do you see it?

FYI: Three modes of tailgate locking are available:
- Speed-dependent;
- Automatic re-locking (time can be selected);
- Automatic locking (time can be selected).

The factory setting for all options is no locking, so apparently is there an owner who choose the "over-engineering" one

I appreciate you kind reply and info.

1) This concerns itself with 2000 Saab 95 Wagon (2.3 L). I got it (with 168K) last July as 1st car for my HS daughter
2) I do not know if the car has "mechanical unlock feature" nor at this moment I know where to look it has one. How would one find out? I will take a look as you suggested: "lock button on the inner handle of the tailgate" and post an answer here after getting to the car.
3) I am not exactly sure what you mean by "Three modes of tailgate locking are available". Does it mean that one might have any one of those three? And how one finds and where which one his car actually has? Speed dependent? Auto re-locking? Auto locking? Then also how and where exactly one might be able to select time for re-locking/locking?

As my SDI (did I got the abbreviation of the panel right?) is more than half "blind" I am not able to get any error/problem messages from the dispaly as it is illegible.

The current status of the tailgate lock system is:
Lock "stuck" in locked position while the tailgate door are not actually completely closed.
Tailgate light goes on and of, often many times per minute (depending how bumpy is a road) and "tailgate open" symbol flashes in unison on car door status light on dashboard display.
Every time when I start moving the car (at intersection, after read light etc) the "automatic system" (solenoid, etc?) produces motion-related sound trying to lock or re-lock the tailgate a couple of times ... of course, in wain.

As I mentioned before, I miss, can't find any detailed enough, step-by-step instruction as:

a) What to check and
b) What exactly do

to get the lock unlock (and get the automatic system work as it used to ... or adjust it, including setting time delay for auto locking/re-locking.
It would be great if I can actually turn off the automatic locking completely. I do not consider it convenient or deriving any xtra safety from having tailgate lock automatically.

I would prefer any reliable non-force applying procedure, way how to unlock the "stuck" lock and make it work. Suggestions I find elsewhere online (use screwdriver to pry the lock by "pushing it with screwdriver in 5 o'clock direction" ) sound risky, as some also point out that sensor in a lock system might be inadvertedly short-circuited.

So, again, thank you for your info and help as I am looking forward your additional info and advice.

[Mike Brennan]

Traditional cure for the tailgate is to 1. Yank the hell out of it while holding the handle push, or 2. hold the handle push and get you kid to kick from the inside while you yank. You gate is not actually locked.

[9-3 Aero]

- 2) I do not know if the car has "mechanical unlock feature" nor at this moment I know where to look it has one. How would one find out? I will take a look as you suggested: "lock button on the inner handle of the tailgate" and post an answer here after getting to the car.

It's the handle you would grab on the inner. lower side when the open tailgate is to be closed:

The other questions to be responded to when the culprit is resolved

[rjmiller1968]

Hello 93 Aero/Saab Nut:
Thanks for your reply + a net picture.
On that is is (even to me clear that 3 ways of moving (unlocking) the tailgate lock are 1) "push button release @ driver's door 2) the proper button on the remote control and 3) a key inserted into tailgate lock.
So that's fine.
BUT I do not know - nor can I, so far - find a pocket in which (handle?) push is located.
When I examine the inside face of the tailgate i see, close to the bottom edge of the door panel, small, about 4 x 4 inches large panels, one on left one on the right, having each one screw (to release the panel).
At least for now I can't unscrew the screw and remove the panels and see what's behind them (maybe some access to taillights on the tailgate? Or can there be, in one of them the said "handle push"?

Again, I do not see any "pocket" as show on your picture above, which has that handle push.
What am I doing wrong? Where should I look?

[rjmiller1968]

Hi Mike:
Thanks for your reply.
Being non-native born, I seems to have some difficulties with some technical terms (or slang). Here, as I already mentioned in reply to 93 Aero, I am not exactly sure what "handle push" on this 2000 Saab 95 tailgate is (apology, having both 1999 and 2000 Saab 95 Wagon I might refer previously to 1999 instead of 2000 model).

93 Aero-provided sketch shown below, has at left lower corner some mysterious "pocket" which seems to have what to might be (and per his note, at least as I read it) that handle push. But I can't find on inside side of the tailgate any such pocket (please see my reply to his email).

Also: While my tailgate lock is stuck in locked position the tailgate door is not actually closed, thus a) inside taillight oi on b) when driving dashboard pic of a car shows that tailgate door is open and c) automatic locking system is repeatedly trying to lock the tailgate lock when I start or after I start moving say after stopping at red light etc. So my gate is certainly not actually locked, they are open, can't be closed completely, due to that lock which is stuck in locked position.

So I don't need 1) to yank (the tailgate?) while holding the handle push or 2) have my kid to kick from inside while I hold the handle push ... as the gate door are open, not locked in a position, can't actually completely close as the lock is stuck in locked position.

So what should I do?
Thanks.

[rjmiller1968]

I now checked fuse #11 (30 AMP): It is good.

[9-3 Aero]

- Again, I do not see any "pocket" as show on your picture above, which has that handle push.
What am I doing wrong? Where should I look?

My bad, sorry for that, referring to the "grab handle" when pointing towards the inner door handle, drawing of which is shown in the other post, and location in circle:


As said in my first post, have I seen emergency openings referred to, which did not exist in models as expected.

[rjmiller1968]

9-3 Aero:

OK, I have been inside of the trunk, holding the said handle down as I think you have suggested while at the same time, with the other hand pushing the appropriate (tailgate lock) button on the remote control.

While the lock mechanism is moving (while I am holding the handle with other hand down) and then I release the handle ... nothing happened, no change, the tailgate door is not still closed and locked, it is still not fully closed and not locked (as the lock is still "stuck" in locked position, thus preventing the lock to grab the latch and close fully the tailgate and allow the lock to lock properly.

What am I doing wrong?
What am I missing, overlooking?
Wrong sequence of moves?

Thanks again.