[zeniq]

I just bought an 08 Escape yesterday, and I stumbled onto an interesting problem. I did a search to see if this has been addressed before, and this discussion: http://www.escape-city.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=2146&p=45020&hilit=glass#p45020 seemed similar, but not quite the same problem I'm having.

I noticed that after unlocking the Escape, the rear glass latch button does not do a thing. No clicking, no anything that makes it seem like the hatch button will open the glass. However, pressing the keyfob button will open the glass with no problem. Every time.

With that said, I don't think there is anything wrong with the actuators or whatever mechanics actually make the glass open, I think it's the button on the door. Does anyone have any hints on how to test that theory, or better yet, how to fix it?

 

[RobtRoma]

Yours is an '08... Are you still under warranty? If you are, bring it back to the dealer and let them fix it...

 

[zeniq]

I did just buy it yesterday, but it has almost 75000 miles, so no warranty.

 

[KC5ZRQ]

You know there are two buttons for the back hatch. One in the centers opens the whole hatch. The one to the right of center opens just the glass. The whole car must be unlocked, not just driver door, to use the glass release button.

 

[BLKXLT]

On mine it takes two pushes on the unlock button or inserting key into drivers door turning to unlock twice to unlock rear glass or hatch. First push just unlocks drivers door only.

 

[zeniq]

Understood. I cannot open the glass hatch with the "glass" button. All the doors are unlocked when I've tried. In comparison, I can open the entire lift using its respective button.

 

[Jeff M]

Just went out and tried mine, and it worked. I would say that the glass button is probably fubared. Doesn't look like it would be fun to replace either.

 

[RobtRoma]

I did just buy it yesterday, but it has almost 75000 miles, so no warranty.

Did you get it from a dealership or a private purchase? If a dealer, you should try to see if they will fix it since you just purchased it...

 

[zeniq]

[No message]

 

[DaveJ]

Just a little off topic, but when you press either button does the glass lift always swing open autmatically or do you sometimes have to give it a nudge for it to swing open?

 

[zeniq]

Just a little off topic, but when you press either button does the glass lift always swing open autmatically or do you sometimes have to give it a nudge for it to swing open?

So far, mine has always automatically opened all the way.

 

[zeniq]

After reading everyone's responses and taking a closer look at the button itself, I'm pretty sure the button is broken. I don't think there is any problem with the glass lift mechanics at all, because the keyfob works fine to pop and raise the glass.

Also, I noticed that the rubber that covers the button on the rear gate is ripped! So it's possible that someone previously dug in there and broke it, or there was a previous attempt to repair it. I will post some pictures later, methinks.

I have yet to talk to the dealer, but I think that they will just blow me off. I bought the thing with no warranty, and signed the "As-Is" paperwork, so I don't think they will feel any compulsion to fix this problem. I may have them take a look, depending on if they want to charge me to diagnose it.

 

[zeniq]

I figured out what the problem was with my glass lift: It was the button/switch. The previous owner somehow tore the rubber boot that covers the actual mechanism; when I examined it it looked like it was caked with dust which probably stopped it from working. I bought a new button from the dealership for $33, pried the old one out and attached the new one. It was less than a 10 minute job and I have a correctly functioning glass lift!

 

[KC5ZRQ]

Whoo hoo!

 

[RobtRoma]

Glad you were able to figure it out and get it fixed