Freelander tailgate.

Hi folks, I'm new on here so please go easy.
I have an 04 Freelander with a tailgate that won't open. It's been a bit intermittent but has finally decided not to open. The window drops when you pull the handle (and works fine from the master switch) but the lock has stopped releasing. I'm suspecting it's a faulty electrical connection as when it was working there was no mechanical problems with the operation. My main question is what is the best way to get the door open so I can get inside to the lock mechanism?
Btw the car has been very well looked after and serviced prior to my purchase a month ago and has low miles (58k) so I'm suspecting age related corrosion.
Also I was thinking of installing an internal switch on the tailgate so that it could be opened from inside, more of a safety feature really. Anyone else tried this?
Thanks for reading.
Cheers Just

it could possibly be the lock mechanism or like my old on the hinges had worn a bit and dropped very slightly and I had to lift the door to open it remedy is a new pair of hinges

teddywood1 said:

it could possibly be the lock mechanism or like my old on the hinges had worn a bit and dropped very slightly and I had to lift the door to open it remedy is a new pair of hinges

Click to expand...

Give the door a good rattle back and forth and up and down. If it works, lube up the mechanism and slightly lower the striker. Should be good for another few years if it was just worn hinges.

Odd, a double post from our OP and another thread with a near identical fault.