Rear tailgate button won't work. How can I open tailgate to fix

[dean.dallwitz]

Hi,
I am a proud Range Rover 1997 P38 HSE owner.
Yes it has a few issues which I am sure a can get some advice on here.

The first is that the rear tailgate button doesn't seem to be working. When I press it there is no sound from the solenoid either so I suspect the the button may be faulty. Only thing is, I need to open somehow so as I can effect a repair.

Have checked fuses too, and all good.

Any ideas?

Regards,
Dean...

[barney]

drive in front of either a p plater or a cranky mother and slam on your brakes, the panel beater will open it for you and fix the lock as well.

[Rupert Prior]

hi Dean
the tailgate actuator gets power from fuse 15 (as other post) and an earth path through the drivers door latch. give the drivers door an open and close and lock and unlock, check the fuse and check the L/H interior light is working. you can open the tail gate from inside but it will be hot work this time of year. put the rear seats down, remove parcel shelf, (if it still has a hinge cover flap) lift and remove spare wheel cover, unscrew hinge cover flap, remove large plastic screw type trim buttons from tail gate carpet and slide down to release it from top cover trim (may need to partially remove rubber seal around the tail gate). you should now have access to the latch and solenoid. operate the linkage and the latch should open the top half, operate it again and the bottom should open. any problems phone me on 0421 509083.
regards
Rupert

[Gullible]

drive in front of either a p plater or a cranky mother and slam on your brakes, the panel beater will open it for you and fix the lock as well.

Good to see you back Barney:D

[dean.dallwitz]

drive in front of either a p plater or a cranky mother and slam on your brakes, the panel beater will open it for you and fix the lock as well.

Nice Barney,
Maybe I'll try that it the mechanic fails

[dean.dallwitz]

hi Dean
the tailgate actuator gets power from fuse 15 (as other post) and an earth path through the drivers door latch. give the drivers door an open and close and lock and unlock, check the fuse and check the L/H interior light is working. you can open the tail gate from inside but it will be hot work this time of year. put the rear seats down, remove parcel shelf, (if it still has a hinge cover flap) lift and remove spare wheel cover, unscrew hinge cover flap, remove large plastic screw type trim buttons from tail gate carpet and slide down to release it from top cover trim (may need to partially remove rubber seal around the tail gate). you should now have access to the latch and solenoid. operate the linkage and the latch should open the top half, operate it again and the bottom should open. any problems phone me on 0421 509083.
regards
Rupert

Nice work Rupert.
Concise and clear instructions. Will give a go tomoz and let you know how I go. Thank you.
Dean

[dean.dallwitz]

Well, now know what the cause of all my problems were. Body Controller Module shot. No wonder rear tailgate won't open. Explains all the other issues been having to; rear internal lights, rear speakers, rear wiper and washer, etc

$2500 for a new one, but got a secondhand one for $900. Let's hope it lasts