My mom's '95 850 tailgate latch was intermittent, now it won't open at all. I'm needing to do the trim repair kit on her car soon anyway, but are there any suggestions on what usually needs to happen to fix the latch mechanism? Is it replace the handle or can something be lubed/straightened sometimes to fix this?

Also, how does one open the tailgate if the latch is not working?

You could try opening from the inside in case the external
mechanisim is broke. Note that the switch has one of those
child-lock options to disable the interior switch from
working. That switch might also be something to check in
case it is stuck in some wierd position causing the problem
(although I have never heard of that causing a problem, but
you never know).

You could also try pushing in on the door while opening it
in case the striker plate on the floor is misadjusted.

Thank you Ray. I went over to mom's tonight and it opens fine if I press in slightly on the rear door as I trip the release handle. Seems as though a little latch lube and perhaps adjustment is all it needs. Add that to my already promised job of repairing the hatch trim for my mommie. Oh well, with two of these in the family to help maintain (my wife's '94 850t wagon and my mom's '95 850 5spd wagon) I'm gonna find out the quirks in these things.

Thanks again Ray!