Hello, I'm having a problem with my 1996 855T. The tailgate latch is not working properly.

The external handle, external lock, and internal handle all work; that is, they actuate whatever is in the latch housing that needs actuating (with the tailgate trim off, I can see the little arms moving from each of these sources). But the latching mechanism does not hold the door snugly to the car. If I raise the tailgate and manually manupilate the latch, I can advance it into postion so that the tailgate will close to the point that it will lock and not fly open -- but it still doesn't close properly/snugly.

With the trim off, I WD-40'ed everything in (and out) of sight. But I suspect the problem is inside the latch housing, and I can't figure how to get into that; it seems to be inside the steel frame of the tailgate itself. Any suggestions?

Many thanks.

--Dan L.
'96 855T, 94k miles
'93 Camry Wagon, 115 miles