Freelander 1 Tailgate Open Sensor/Switch

Every now and again the dashboard 'door open' light will come on - usually after hitting a bump. I've had a good look around the door aperture but can't see the traditional sort of switch. Is it part of the latch mechanism?

I'm pretty sure it's the tailgate causing it because if I open and slam it shut then the light goes out again.

The plastic latch casing has been damaged at some point but otherwise operates OK.

the auto open tailgate is a right pain in the butt,it
pleases itself when to drop the glass,im thinking
of a way to just make it stay closed,mines a 2003
td4 & a 5 door,the rear passenger side windows
dont work either so im after fixing them shut for good,
i notice the later models have a split tailgate which is
a far better upgrade.best of luck just dont forget its a
bloody land rover,so anything goes..

Heheheh, yes I've a long history of owning a variety of Landrovers so am well aquainted with that.

I replaced the entire tailgate window mechanism this morning and, touch wood, it's working fine but I still can't track down how it's thinking the door's open when it isn't.

There are two leads feeding the tailgate latch mechanism 1 actuator 2 latch. If your slamming shut then either the actuator is faulty or the latch is the fault. My actuator which I replaced recently was frankly a pain having to shut but this would show door open on the dash.

Hey guys, I'm having this problem currently with my 05 Freelander. Is there any way to tell if it's the actuator or the latch? I'd rather not buy a fairly expensive part that I don't need. Thanks!!