Freelander 1 Tailgate handle

Hi All,
Just had a little accident with my FL1 - went to open the tailgate and the handle/latch/light assembly came off. It appears that the plastic around the two nuts has given way. I can’t really do any further checks as the rain is playing Armageddon. The FL locks and unlocks ok but the tails won’t open, the glass goes down and when the tailgate is pushed shut it goes back up again. I don’t think the handle assembly is salvageable so any suggestions for replacement would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
MtD.

Hi

I had the same problem, there are several threads on how to glue the bolts back. I glued mine back but unfortunately the repair didn't last very long.
A few months ago I repaired it again, maybe overkill but this is how I did.

Thanks Chris. After having another look I can only get the tailgate open when I’ve got the rear window fully down via the switch inside. But to get the window back up the inside switch won’t do it I’ve got to use the key in the tailgate lock. The inside switch worked ok before this however so it looks like there’s another problem.
Cheers,
MtD.

MaxTheDog1 said:

Thanks Chris. After having another look I can only get the tailgate open when I’ve got the rear window fully down via the switch inside. But to get the window back up the inside switch won’t do it I’ve got to use the key in the tailgate lock. The inside switch worked ok before this however so it looks like there’s another problem.
Cheers,
MtD.

Click to expand...

If you fix the handle and re-calibrate the window by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery it should be fine.
I've repaired a couple and last time used poundshop epoxy to hold in the spouting bolts.
In my case the issue was caused by rust holes below the handle.

Thanks Alibro, epoxy sounds (and looks) more fitting than gaffa tape!
In my case I’ll have to get the bolts out of the door to be able to epoxy them back into the handle.
Cheers,
MtD.

MaxTheDog1 said:

Thanks Alibro, epoxy sounds (and looks) more fitting than gaffa tape!
In my case I’ll have to get the bolts out of the door to be able to epoxy them back into the handle.
Cheers,
MtD.

Click to expand...

They'll be too rusted to use again. Just get some long M6 (I think) spouting bolts and cut them down to size.
Here are a few photos I took a long time ago.


I used strong silicone Sealant this time and it worked well too so whatever you have to hand.

Hi

Follow the instructions from Alibro, I didn't have much plastic left to glue to so had to do some more work but works great.
A new handle is expensive so give this a try.

Here is the recalibration procedure:

1. Disarm the alarm system.
2. Disconnect your Freelander battery.
3. Wait for 5 seconds.
4. Reconnect your battery.
5. The tailgate window will automatically go down completely.
6. Put your key in the ignition and turn to the 'ignition' position.

Thanks a lot Alibro and Chris_68. I’ve invested in a proper set of trim removal tools after watching a YT video of handle replacement. Don’t want a rattle door card to be the outcome afterwards.
Cheers,
MtD.

MaxTheDog1 said:

Thanks a lot Alibro and Chris_68. I’ve invested in a proper set of trim removal tools after watching a YT video of handle replacement. Don’t want a rattle door card to be the outcome afterwards.
Cheers,
MtD.

Click to expand...

You shouldn't need them for the boot door card. Four large star screws at the bottom, grab the bottom and tug it until you land on yer bum.
Then lift up and it should come off easily.

Hi Alibro, had a good look at it all yesterday, got the door card off. The central stud snapped and is stuck in the door and just rotating so I might investigate the possibility of drilling a new third hole if I can’t get it out.
Found your original thread BTW, looks good. Got some Araldite so will be using that.
Cheers,
MtD.

Handle’s all done, although it’s only on the two end mounts.
Hopefully that’s it and it’ll hold. No issues with window or the tailgate latch.
Thanks to everyone who posted.
Cheers,
MtD.

And if your fix is not permanent, you can get brand new handles in Polish version of ebay ''allegro.pl''. Mine was totally broken, the cheapest one I could find was around 200 EUR, but after tons of searching, managed to get a brand new one for 55 eur from poland.

Thanks Blaster1232,
I’ll check it out if needs be.
Cheers,
MtD.