Tailgate won't latch

Hi all,

I have a Freeland 1 2005 td4.

For some reason the tailgate won't latch. The window drops and you hear the solenoid work when you press the outside handle but when you close the door it bounces back open.

The latch won't catch to lock the door.

I have replaced the entire outside handle completely and the lock mechanism with the solenoid but it still wont latch closed.

Any ideas before I have to send it to a garage (with a rope around the door!)

Thanks

Your catch might need bringing forward. It's adjustable so you can fine tune. Or you can use the old bum method.

Have you manually operated the latch to see if it locks?

The door locking plate might need adjustment?

Thanks both.

I manually operated the latch using a screwdriver but the latch just releases.

This is the same on both the old latch and new one I bought.

Does the latch lock if the electrical connection is left disconnected?
Have you checked to see if the plunger on the release actuator is fully extended? It could be stuck in the fully retracted position.