Freelander 1 Tailgate

Hi guys wonder if anyone can help, 99 freelander one tailgate will not open window goes up and down with the dash switch but getting no response from tailgate handle. As door is shut access is only via rear panel and cannot see any way to open it, any ideas much appreciated. Cheers Dave

The switch on the rear handle is known to fail. Unfortunately the handle is bolted on inside and ripping it off will damage it beyond repair or damage the tail gate.
If you put the rear glass fully down then carefully run a flat blade screwdriver under the internal plastic tailgate cover top bit where the glass disappears down, it is possible to click it up and out, if that makes sense?
Dont push it back into the car too far, or you'll damage the base where the screws are.
Then you can do some gymnastics and release the rear lock by removing the bolts and short the switch out.

This is not easy, will p1ss you off completely and make you want to burn your car!
Don't say I didn't warn you

If anybody knows a better way, speak up now.

Mike

The bit that I'm pointing at is a rubber seal, pull this out towards the rear of the car, then you can get a screwdriver or similar under the plastic cover.
Mike

Think i'm at the burn it stage already but just got new MOT so will give it a try cheers Mike. Best regards . Dave

There is a way to bypass the door switch by bridging across 2 wires in the harness.
I'd look out the colours for you, but my E manual has decided not to work

Got the inner trim off now will have a go at the switch first but if not may try that later, thanks for the reply. Dave

Is the TG door handle release flapper stiff? If so push forward the flapper to release sticky catch.

Purple wire from memory. 12v pops the release mechanism

Having had a couple of beers and felt calmer had another go at tha tailgate. Managed to get interior trim off by using small socket and universal joint under the trim and managing to remove securing screws .Traced supply cable( Orange one) from switch to middle of loom in door shaved off some insulation and shorted to Earth and Bobs your uncle door released so next job source repair kit on ebay, believe these are about £18 and hopefully this will sort it. Thanks for the replies guys much appreciated. Dave