2002 FORD EXPLORER — STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

I LIFTED THE TOP PORTION OF THE TAILGATE TO RETRIEVE ITEMS FROM CAR. AS IT LIFTED, THE BOLT THAT HINGES THE RIGHT TOP SIDE OF THE TAILGATE BROKE OFF, THE HYDROLIC PORTION LET GO AND THE TAILGATE CAME DOWN ON MY HEAD. I WAS UNABLE TO CLOSE THE TAILGATE AFTER THAT, AND IT WAS HANGING DOWN ON AN ANGLE, UNDRIVEABLE AS IT CONTINUED TO FALL FURTHER DOWN AND MAKE "CRACKING" NOISES. IT IS CURRENTLY BEING FIXED, HOWEVER FORD IS NOT TOO CONCERNED! MY CAR IS 500 MILES OVER WARRANTY (1 1/2 YEARS OLD), AND THEY SAY I AM RESPONSIBLE TO PAY A PORTION OF THIS BILL.*AK PE04045_PCO