How to open tailgate

Hi, this is Bo, an auto expert on RepairPal's Car Genius team! On your 2006 Ford Freestar, opening the tailgate should be simple—just pull the handle above the license plate. If it’s stuck, common culprits are a jammed latch, misaligned linkage, or rust buildup. If it won’t budge, climb inside, locate the access panel on the tailgate interior, and pop it off. You’ll see a manual latch release—use a screwdriver to move it. Spraying some penetrating oil on the latch mechanism often helps if it’s stiff from wear or grime. If none of that works, you might have a broken latch cable, which would need replacement. If you need any further advice or want help finding a trusted RepairPal shop in your area, please feel free to call us at 877-913-1554.