Freelander TD4 Tailgate - Handle broken, window down

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Hi there,

There are lots of threads explaining how to replace the rear handle on a Freelander 1, but they require the window to be in the 'up' position, to access the nuts from the inside, once the card is off. My window drops the minute I unlock the car, and won't re-calibrate. I have a feeling the broken tailgate handle (springs went a while ago) isn't helping with the re-calibration, but I can't take it off with the window dropped, as the glass covers the bolts. The only way I can get the window to stay up is to lock the car and use the key barrel switch to raise it. (Thanks breakdown recovery man for changing my battery without checking that the tailgate re-calibrated!)

So my question is - if I remove the card, shut the tailgate, and lock the car so that I can close the window, can I access all the bolts to remove the tailgate handle from inside the car? Anything I need to unbolt from the side of the tailgate before I close it?

I fear if I succeed I'm going to end up with the handle off and the window down, with no way of closing my tailgate ever again...

I did reverse into a concrete pillar, and slightly stave in the tailgate, which now presses against the window a bit. Still goes up and down, but could the added pressure from this be preventing the calibration procedure to work? I'd happily disable the tailgate window altogether if the top lintel could be removed while maintaining a weather seal against the glass. That design was destined for failure...
 
Welcome to Landyzone.

Try gaffer taping it up first, so it can’t drop?

Alternatively, post your question in the Freely section. I’m sure somebody will be able to help you.

:)
 
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