P38 Tailgate - Urgent help pls.

Hi All,

Had the same problem last year whilst on holiday. The pushbutton is liable to get water inside despite the poor seal around it. Only way in is to loosen the carpet trim studs on the lower tailgate and prise the rear cover off, this will reveal the rear of the pushbutton which is secured by one self tapping screw. Pull the plug off the pushbutton and short out the two wires in the socket with either a short piece of wire or a paper clip-this will release the tailgate. If this does not work, then the solenoid or wiring is faulty or an operating rod has become disconnected. You should hear the solenoid operating when the pins are shorted out. When you get the switch out, give it a good clean and dose with WD40. Also check the coil spring, they tend to corrode and fall to pieces.

Do what Irishrover said and investigate the switch, however, when getting to it, don't prise things to pieces, instead, lift the cover for the spare wheel and remove the screws for the black flappy thingy, this can then be moved out of the way allowing you to get to the three plastic twist studs on the tailgate. Undo these and then manoeuvre the carpet trim out of the way and get to work with checking out the push button.

Is there ANY sort of trouble with the front drivers side lock mechanism?? If so then your problem maybe there instead of the switch at the tailgate.

-Wills

cheers guys,

followed the instructions and it opened !

I looked on mine and couldn't see any way, but followed as above and hay presto mate can no get into his boot, think he will be sending it back to where he has it serviced for a fix !

did they make any changes on the later ones ?

Had the same problem with mine. It's the driver's door lock. Fit a new
one and all will be fine. The circuit to complete the tailgate locking
goes via this lock. You'll need around £150, an hour to fit and lots of patience. Good luck

**** that was urgent wasn't it! Life or death!

TheVengefulElephant said:

**** that was urgent wasn't it! Life or death!

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Yeah, not nearly as urgent as "help, I've bin a complete twot an got stuck whilst laning with only one veehakerl", eh, nowhere near as urgent as that is it?

Grippa said:

Yeah, not nearly as urgent as "help, I've bin a complete twot an got stuck whilst laning with only one veehakerl", eh, nowhere near as urgent as that is it?

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Iss gunner be a long time till I hear that fer the last time int it

Bash the button with with the heel of your hand about 8 to 10 times. Worked for me. Was probably a weak solenoid so the bashing just chivvied it along.

Think it may not be so urgent after 7 years.

Was thinking of saying something similar :lol:

Welcome aboard Jetski39590.

I'm sure Markgre appreciates your advice, but the emergency was 7 years ago now!

Beat me to it!

Good effort trying to help on his first post though.

Grrrrrr said:

Think it may not be so urgent after 7 years.

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Ah, give the chap a break...


They've only just got t'internet in Whitley Bay.


:lol: