I have spent the last 2 hours on this site and the net looking for reasons that tailgate on van will not open. Just purchased this last weekend and purchased to use as a work van. You can open it from the inside by pulling on the latch but this will not work when I will have merchandise in the back. took the plastic cover off of the hatch. Since we have never seen what it should look like, we are thinking that there is something broken off. The lock is frozen, we have been using WD40 and PB on it and key still will not turn. It has not been opened for a very long time, the arms that hold up the tailgate does have rust. I saw a youtube video that stated that if the arms are rusted it will not work. Makes sense but do not think that is the problem since key will not turn. there is a something that is white plastic 'stick' that is on the back and not sure at all what that is and if it is something broken. Need to get this gate working need to use this weekend. thank you in advance.

 

You might find the information you are looking for at these two links:

Rear hatch won't open

96 Carvan rear hatch stuck

George