Sport Upper tailgate latch

newb · Oct 20, 2021

Have not seen a post in relation to this problem...

So, when pressing the switch (on the door itself) for the top tailgate nothing happens. Looking around, it is seems to be a common issue with the switch and replacing it fixes the problem. Saw a video on YT that replaces it with a screwdriver. Guess what... got one, tried and no luck. Looking at the switch itself, the mechanism how it locks in, I cannot see how the screwdriver will do the job since you cannot get under the latching mechanism of the switch.

So:
1. could it be something else and not the switch itself (how to troubleshoot it)
2. best way to rectify it? (i cannot open it, so i cannot take apart the top half first

)

cheers.

Datatek · Oct 20, 2021

Can't help, the car is too new for many to have acquired much knowledge, sorry.

newb · Oct 20, 2021

Datatek said:
Can't help, the car is too new for many to have acquired much knowledge, sorry.

it is 16 years old, thank you for calling it new

thank you for trying tho

Datatek · Oct 20, 2021

newb said:
it is 16 years old, thank you for calling it new thank you for trying tho

I didn't know the RR Sport had been around that long. Anything post 2002 is new to me

You could try Rangerovers.net

gold rover · Oct 20, 2021

newb said:
Have not seen a post in relation to this problem...

So, when pressing the switch (on the door itself) for the top tailgate nothing happens. Looking around, it is seems to be a common issue with the switch and replacing it fixes the problem. Saw a video on YT that replaces it with a screwdriver. Guess what... got one, tried and no luck. Looking at the switch itself, the mechanism how it locks in, I cannot see how the screwdriver will do the job since you cannot get under the latching mechanism of the switch.

So:
1. could it be something else and not the switch itself (how to troubleshoot it)
2. best way to rectify it? (i cannot open it, so i cannot take apart the top half first )

cheers.

I can't recall if anyone has a Sport on here. I think yours is the older model if it's 16yr old, so @Henry_b , @kds, @backinblack might have come across them. Or might know who on the site has one.

backinblack · Oct 20, 2021

I don't know the RRS either but looking at this video you can get to it by removing this panel

backinblack · Oct 20, 2021

Or can you pop the number plate lamps out and push it out from behind

newb · Oct 21, 2021

backinblack said:
I don't know the RRS either but looking at this video you can get to it by removing this panel

View attachment 250847

Thank you for the reply. I saw this video. The problem is that this top panel does not open in the first place, so I cannot get to the fitting screws. Will need to have a look on how to open it first.

backinblack · Oct 21, 2021

As you say from googling you should be able to lever it out with a screwdriver. Can you get the number plate lights out with the tailgate shut?

newb · Oct 21, 2021

backinblack said:
As you say from googling you should be able to lever it out with a screwdriver. Can you get the number plate lights out with the tailgate shut?

I cannot get it out with the screwdriver. It makes sense why if you look at the way the switch clips in (see pic.). Tried to get into it via number plate light, but cannot reach the switch. Tried to take off the inside trim as per video but I cannot as the top panel blocks it from being removed

Now thinking to even remove the rear wiper mechanism so that i can take off the trim panel... will give it a break.

gold rover · Oct 21, 2021

Where's our resident DiD guy @gstuart when we need him

newb · Oct 21, 2021

gold rover said:
Where's our resident DiD guy @gstuart when we need him

would be good to hear from. I think the video with the screwdriver is correct, it is just I cannot get any traction with it, tried either sides and doing more damage now.

backinblack · Oct 21, 2021

gold rover said:
Where's our resident DiD guy @gstuart when we need him

IMO he's more D3 and the RRS is a D3 in a different frock

backinblack · Oct 21, 2021

newb said:
Tried to get into it via number plate light, but cannot reach the switch.

Can't you reach it with a bar of some kind, Allen key, 3/8 extension bar, bit of dowel etc ?
IMO it's only a matter of pressing the clip while pulling the switch down.
Sounds easy in my head

newb · Oct 21, 2021

backinblack said:
Can't you reach it with a bar of some kind, Allen key, 3/8 extension bar, bit of dowel etc ?
IMO it's only a matter of pressing the clip while pulling the switch down.
Sounds easy in my head

I will be at the garage on Saturday, will have another go with a wider choice of tools.

gold rover · Oct 21, 2021

backinblack said:
IMO he's more D3 and the RRS is a D3 in a different frock

He's quite well versed in the DiD too. I think hanging about in here expanded his drag knowledge

backinblack · Oct 21, 2021

gold rover said:
He's quite well versed in the DiD too. I think hanging about in here expanded his drag knowledge

He is indeed a clever chap

gold rover · Oct 21, 2021

backinblack said:
He is indeed a clever chap

It's just a shame he is not around as much. Maybe time to remind him his drag knowledge is missed

backinblack · Oct 21, 2021

Just shows there is life outside LZ

gold rover · Oct 22, 2021

backinblack said:
Just shows there is life outside LZ

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo,
Nope
No
Nopeity
No, no,no.
Don't believe you

Sport Upper tailgate latch

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