Member Since: 21 Aug 2007
Location: Wales, mun ;-)
Posts: 164
Finally managed it.
First of all, there is a black cover over the actuator which is screwed to the actuator at the other end only. You need to push back this cover so that you can get your fingers or specialist tool (more of that later) to lift up the remains of the cable so that you can grab the metal wire and give it a yank with some pliers.
I made a couple of tools to help me do this. I used an old trowel handle that had about 2 inches of metal sticking out where the flat trowel bit used to attach. The tool was about 7" long. I could put one end into the actuator cover and then push it in bracing it against the half removed trim. This had the advantage of freeing up both hands and avoiding the cover snapping back on my fingers trapping my hand. I suspect a similar length screwdriver would work as well. The other 'specialist' tool I made was a 9" piece of wire coat hanger which had a small hook in one end. This allowed me to go fishing for the cable. I managed to pull it up enough to get a pliers on it at the second attempt. Well worth the effort in knocking this one up.
Design wise, this is bonkers. There needs to be a manual override somewhere in the car. How you would get into the boot with a dog cage in the back of the car and carry out this work is anyone's guess.
11th Nov 2013 2:14 pm
Pooch
Member Since: 30 Aug 2012
Location: Milton Keynes
Posts: 7
How difficult is replacing the rear tailgate handle?
I have a HSE on an 08 Plate. Middle of last year I had the get the cable replaced in the tailgate as it had gone completely. The 4 x 4 specialist I used said the rear latch would need replacing and its finally gone completely and I cannot open the tailgate. I have tried using the two dashboard buttons but to no avail.
I have ordered the tailgate handle from Duckworth. Is it fairly straightforward to fit or would people recommend I get the garage to fit it and pay the labour charges?
Thanks all.
15th Feb 2014 11:40 pm
Biffysun
Member Since: 09 Jul 2011
Location: Central
Posts: 1790
Shamelessly poached from a 'Wiggs' post but these should help!
Thanks guys. But its the handle housing the microswitch on the top tailgate that I need to remove and replace. The bottom cable was replaced by the garage last year
Thanks for the replies.
16th Feb 2014 8:59 am
gibson82
Member Since: 07 Apr 2014
Location: carluke
Posts: 1
tail gate not working
HI everyone just joined. My tail gate didnt open for over two months, and someone during the night shoved a crowbar in it to try and get in but didnt. They bent the top tail gate a small bit but it works now ?? Very strange.
7th Apr 2014 10:14 pm
keithp
Member Since: 15 Nov 2007
Location: Surrey
Posts: 27
Not sure if this is my problem of i have something stuck in the lock , it seems to have coincided with a few trips to the dump i could not open it when i got there !
Have got access to the actuator in the tailgate lower but tugging the cable does not seem to work , any ideas.
Keith
18th May 2014 3:22 pm
geoff.
Member Since: 24 Jan 2010
Location: West kent
Posts: 8531
can you hear the actuator when you press the unlock handle
18th May 2014 3:24 pm
keithp
Member Since: 15 Nov 2007
Location: Surrey
Posts: 27
Sorted i had watched some vids before i started and the implied that you pushed a screwdriver through the hole and pushed on the cable to release it i could feel the cable but nothing , so i pulled the actuator out best i could removed the lid and hey presto bust end , tug with pliers and sorted.
Made a temporary fix with piano wire and a connector block fixed to the cable .
I have cut an access panel with a saw go get access i intend to make up a removable patch just in case this happens again.
What is this heavy duty cable i see mentioned ?
Keith
18th May 2014 4:17 pm
davidedwardmawer
Member Since: 11 Oct 2012
Location: Gironde
Posts: 174
Anticipated emergency opening of lower tailgate
Gosh, how many points on this? So here's my two bits worth. (Inspiration from ProudLR3owner).
Provide an access in the lower tailgate in anticipation of the lower tailgate failure. Once it's done you'll just pull out the 'plug' and use a hook or long-nosed pliers to pull the cable free. Well that's the theory.
Carefully drill out a hole to 15mm diameter without damaging the cable underneath! This is the cable you'll need to pull in case of failure.
Hole is about 41cm from edge.
And 19cm from top of lower tailgate. But better to remove inner cover before it jams and check yourself.
Make sure your plug is recessed so cover slides over it. I packed mine out with cardboard, glued into place. Should be easy to de-construct in an emergency.
(Apologies for the dog hairs)33370 Fargues Saint Hilaire
23rd Aug 2014 7:42 pm
UpCreakNoPaddle
Member Since: 21 Aug 2014
Location: Salisbury
Posts: 8
Boot latch break out photos
Hi, I recently used the break out through the boot procedure. I took step by step photos, if any one wants them PM me. Saved another few hundred quid there thanks guys
5th Oct 2014 3:55 pm
Oyster catcher
Member Since: 26 Mar 2013
Location: Dublin
Posts: 27
Found out a new way of breaking out of the boot. HB Dennis in Dublin told me how. Since the cable itself is already broken you just have to separate the sheave from the metal case of the actuator. It pops out and its exit is only hindered by a floppy piece of plastic towards the back of the car.
I put a 13mm spanner into the jaws of a vice grip to get the reach. With one swift thump of a heavy hammer it just popped out. Then the cable is there to pull and its open.
30th Oct 2014 7:15 pm
harleyman14
Member Since: 28 Oct 2014
Location: Colorado
Posts: 8
I am new here but have searched extensively. Always seems actuator is the only problem.Here is my problem with the tailgate not opening. replaced the actuator and didn't have to. get a thunk everytime i push the two buttons on the dash I go to open it its still locked I push again it opens. have tried to adjust the latch on the lower and upper tailgate to no avail everything is working except for the upper tailgate any reason why. I'm thinking the latch. It can't be the actuator or the cable.
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to try and get in but didnt. They bent the top tail gate a small bit but it works now ?? Very strange.
