Tailgate release

Got a problem with my tailgate lock/release. I can lock the car fine, usualy in the mornings press the fob to unlock everything unlocks except the tailgate, I can drive to work just a few miles and then I can open the tailgate not having pressed the fob again??????? then I can lock and unlock as often as i like it all works fine.

is this a locking /unlocking problem or could it be the release button??

any ideas? thanks, Mo

It must be the release button. Time to take the panel off and spray it with WD40 as a first step I would suggest.
If it fails completely it is a nightmare trying to open the tailgate from inside the car.

There is a mod I have seen that uses a pull cord like the fuel cap release.
Keep meaning to do it.

I've had the button fail on mine, they fill with water, and I have also had trouble with the solenoid release mechanism.

Had button failure on mine . try getting a double buggy out over back seat when you can't open tailgate bloody nightmare . can't see why they changed it from classic system at least it an handle inside !

dave4x4 said:

It must be the release button. Time to take the panel off and spray it with WD40 as a first step I would suggest.
If it fails completely it is a nightmare trying to open the tailgate from inside the car.

There is a mod I have seen that uses a pull cord like the fuel cap release.
Keep meaning to do it.

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Will give it a spray Like the pull cord idea and easy to do

A Dutch guy on Rangerovers.net did write up on it.
Do a search.

dave4x4 said:

A Dutch guy on Rangerovers.net did write up on it.
Do a search.

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You can join him on Facebook

scotchgit said:

You can join him on Facebook

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I did a quick search but couldn't find it

the WD40 did not work either, did exactly the same this morning.:frusty:

I took the button apart, cleaned out all the rust and made up a new spring to replace the rusted one. I also took the latch mechanism apart, cleaned and lubricated it, since I've had no problems. There is no substitute on a P38 for doing the job properly.

Datatek said:

I took the button apart, cleaned out all the rust and made up a new spring to replace the rusted one. I also took the latch mechanism apart, cleaned and lubricated it, since I've had no problems. There is no substitute on a P38 for doing the job properly.

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That is my next move or I may just replace it with a new one

RangieMo2 said:

That is my next move or I may just replace it with a new one

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You obviously have too much money, must be a banker the best price I could find for a new button was about £40 No way I was paying that

Datatek said:

You obviously have too much money, must be a banker the best price I could find for a new button was about £40 No way I was paying that

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£40 in that case I will try strip and clean first

Datatek said:

I took the button apart, cleaned out all the rust and made up a new spring to replace the rusted one. I also took the latch mechanism apart, cleaned and lubricated it, since I've had no problems. There is no substitute on a P38 for doing the job properly.

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I made a replacement spring (mine rusted and snapped) from a coat hanger. Packed it with grease and spent a few pence on a new outer rubber ring.

RangieMo2 said:

I did a quick search but couldn't find it

the WD40 did not work either, did exactly the same this morning.:frusty:

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Sorry about that it's rangerover p38 Stockholm views on Facebook don't know it that site will help !

Took the switch out and there was nothing to clean, it looks brand new can't understand why it only does it first thing in a morning any other time it will lock and unlock as it should

RangieMo2 said:

Took the switch out and there was nothing to clean, it looks brand new can't understand why it only does it first thing in a morning any other time it will lock and unlock as it should

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When you say 'switch' do you mean the button?
It might be worth your while continuing and having a look at the rest of the mechanism. I'm thinking that something somewhere is jamming and being shaken free as you drive. Or you've got a bad electrical joint / earth. It's a very simple system (rare on a P38, I know) so worth a further nose round.

dogsbody said:

When you say 'switch' do you mean the button?
It might be worth your while continuing and having a look at the rest of the mechanism. I'm thinking that something somewhere is jamming and being shaken free as you drive. Or you've got a bad electrical joint / earth. It's a very simple system (rare on a P38, I know) so worth a further nose round.

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yes I meant the button, but sometime I can get to work and it still wont open but if I just leave it, not locking it, go to it a little later it will open

don't you just hate intermitent faults