1996 Buick Roadmaster Owner's Manual - Page 71

If the tailgateon your vehicle does not open as a drop-gate, it may notbe fully latched as a door. Your GATE AJAR light will be on the tailgate isn't if completely closed as a door. The tailgate is designed not to open as a drop-gate when it isalready open as a door. Also, tailgate will not the open as a door when is already open as a drop-gate. it Check to see if the tailgate is unlocked, then open and close it as a door until lower latch closes,and the the GATE AJAR light goesout. You can lock the tailgate by inserting oval key in the the lock and turning it clockwise or pressing down on the lock control near passenger end of the tailgate. To the close the window, pull down against the tailgate and it press firmly untilit latches. Remote Tailgate Release (Wagon) Press the topof the REAR WINDOW switch to unlock the rear window only when the vehiclein PARK (P) is or NEUTRAL (N). You can also unlock the rear window by using the oval key the lock near the window. This in also unlocks the tailgate.