Replace a broken or loose exterior handle with the Dorman HELP Liftgate Latch Handle / Exterior Tailgate Handle 15780, a direct-fit replacement for the 1993-1997 Ford Explorer and 1997 Mercury Mountaineer. It is the outside handle you use to release the liftgate latch. Dorman designed it to reproduce the original handle's fit and function on these applications and engineered it for durability and reliable performance.
The catalog lists this part as a liftgate latch handle, and Dorman describes it as an exterior tailgate handle. Both names refer to this same part.
- Direct replacement: Built to replicate the original handle's fit and operation on the listed vehicles.
- Replaces a failed handle: Intended to return the exterior handle's appearance and operation after the original part has failed.
- Durable construction: Made from quality materials for dependable performance.
- Trusted support: Backed by a team of product experts in the United States and more than a century of automotive experience.
Signs the handle may need replacing include a cracked or broken handle, a handle that feels loose, or one that moves without releasing the liftgate. A worn latch or linkage can cause similar symptoms, so diagnose the cause before replacing. If the handle is the failed component, this part replaces it. Consult the vehicle service information for panel removal, linkage connection and the correct fasteners. See the "Vehicles it fits" section for full fitment details.
Interchange: F3TZ7843400A
Product information is for general reference and may contain errors. See our Disclaimer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vehicles does the Dorman 15780 liftgate latch handle fit?
It is a direct-fit replacement for the 1993-1997 Ford Explorer and 1997 Mercury Mountaineer. See the "Vehicles it fits" section for full fitment details.
What does a liftgate latch handle do?
It is the exterior handle you pull to release the liftgate latch, which lets you open the liftgate from outside the vehicle.
Why is this part called both a liftgate latch handle and an exterior tailgate handle?
The catalog classifies it as a liftgate latch handle, and Dorman's description calls it an exterior tailgate handle. Both names refer to the same part.
What are signs the liftgate handle may need replacing?
A cracked, broken or loose handle, or one that moves without releasing the liftgate, can be a sign. A worn latch or linkage can cause similar symptoms, so diagnose the cause before replacing.
What part number does the Dorman 15780 cross-reference to?
It interchanges with F3TZ7843400A.
