Tailgate latch not latching

Hi Guys, I have done a search on this issue, but have not found my exact problem.
My problem is when I actuate the release button on the tailgate, you hear a whirring noise and the the tailgate latch opens and releases the tailgate.
Now, when I come to close the tail gate, sometimes it just bounces off again and it appears the latch is still being held open.
If I keep actuating the release handle, eventually you hear a click and the release solenoid seems to reset and you can latch the tailgate again.
It varies on the amount of times I have to actuate the release handle before it will close.
Sometimes it is once or twice, but other times can be a couple of dozen.

Is there a switch somewhere that might need replacing? or am I looking for a different problem.

Many Thanks for any info.

Nigel

Its coz the spring in the handle is broken . First you will need to whip off the tailgate door card .Then undo the 3(iirc)nuts that hold the handle to the door . Find a spring and bend the ends to fit .

Or you could do as I did until I got around to fixing mine , give it a good whack of your right knee into the bottom left hand corner of the number plate .

You can get them here, I just did mine and it's a big improvement. Easy to fit too.

Land Rover Freelander 1 Tailgate Handle Microswitch Repair Springs | eBay

WLJayne said:

You can get them here, I just did mine and it's a big improvement. Easy to fit too.

Land Rover Freelander 1 Tailgate Handle Microswitch Repair Springs | eBay

Click to expand...

Thanks for that link - mine failed today as well so ordered via your link.
Rusty and clapped isn't the word for it.

Biggest scare was when I had originally taken the lock out for inspection and when I reconnected the battery (cos Mr Haynes told me to disconnect it for some reason) the rear window dropped but luckily I had pulled the lock right out of the door panel.

I couldn't see where the second spring went (I didn't even know there should be two) but they come with photo instructions so all good I hope.

My problem is the reverse. My tailgate door doesnt always open. I have to continually pull the handle until the door opens. Then on closing the window doesn't always stay up. Ie closes then drop down again. I normall have to leave it down for about 5mins until i can push the button and it will stay up. Any help please.

that sounds like the microswitch in the door handle, a new one can be got from Maplins etc

while your in there check the springs in the handle too

Freelaner said:

that sounds like the microswitch in the door handle, a new one can be got from Maplins etc

while your in there check the springs in the handle too

Click to expand...

@freelander.

Many thanks I'll pop to marlins tomorrow. I watching a set of springs on eBay. I'll change them too. As Ill have the door handle off.

if you have to keep energising the handle then it is the solenoid sticking, white plastic affair attached to the lock mechanism, it can be dismantled , cleaned and lubed, but they are not that expensive.

freelance said:

if you have to keep energising the handle then it is the solenoid sticking, white plastic affair attached to the lock mechanism, it can be dismantled , cleaned and lubed, but they are not that expensive.

Click to expand...

@freelance

I clean it up if poss. Or change that too. As it might be easier to do all the above as handle will be off for the day. Lol

My problem is the window will not stay down without me keeping the latch held open as soon as I take my hand off the window goes up. Not good but people don't know or forget and slam the door and you hear a big bang of glass against bodywork! No! This all started when I had the cables changed on the rear window mechanism, which only lasted a year, waste of money IMO but there you go you pays yer money and takes your choice at the time. I also have a brand new rear handle fitted and this year in July a whole brand new rear mechanism. I have re calibrated it but it is still doing it. Any ideas? Am I correct in thinking there is a seperate rear door ECU? I have lived with the problem for over a year but now I just want if fixed before someone breaks the whole glass or something.