The tailgate on my 850 '95 wagon (140,000 miles) slammed shut in the cold weather two weeks ago and won't open. Now, when I unlock the doors with the key or the remote or the front-door button, I hear the tailgate lock make its normal clicking and thumping noises, but then a sort of elongated squeek -- almost a "wheeze" sound. The door still won't open.

I removed the trim panel last night and examined the mechanisms I could find or feel. It seems the rods that extend from both the inside and outside handles are moving up and down into a "black box". I didn't dare remove the inside door handle mechanism for fear I would make things worse, but it appears that there are more "black boxes" and connectors behind it.

Any advice much appreciated.

Linda Harmon
South Bend, Ind.