Tailgate Open sensor problem?

[slampadang]

I've got a 1997 P38A 4.0 SE got just 130k on the clock. It has had EAS removal surgery. :( Otherwise it runs sweetly and has been a great vehicle.

The Tailgate open sensor displays most of the time and triggers the interior light. The tailgate appears to be securely locked and there is no rattle or movement. Interestingly, whilst driving, the sensor beeps under acceleration but not deceleration.

Hoping someone could help troubleshoot. Where is the sensor located and what might be likely causes?

Thanks from a first time poster!!

[PaulP38a]

welcome to the forum!

I am pretty sure the microswitch is integrated to the centre latch on the lower tailgate.

With all the doors shut and the engine running, If you get someone to pull on the tailgate does the message appear? What if they push instead of pull?

Could just be that the striker plate (on the upper tailgate) needs a bit of adjusting, or a couple of washers to make it push in firmer.

Take the inside panel off the lower tailgate and check the connections to the centre latch. Give it all a good clean and lube while you are there.

Cheers, Paul.

[slampadang]

Thanks Paul,
Having a bit of a poke around (I am no expert in any way!!) it appears to me that the only electonic mechanism on the lower tailgate latch is the release mechanism. When you press the release button on the right side of the lower tailgate you can see the acutuator working. There is only one pair of wires into the actuator. Is it possible the sensor is somewhere else? I might ring Ritters (Melbourne) tomorrow, their service crew will probably know.
Cheers
James

[slampadang]

Sorry Paul, I take it all back. The actuator is to the left of the latch. That is the sensor in the latch mechanism. You can lever it out quite easily and find the microswitch. A few thickness of gaffer tape cut into small strips and delicately placed inside the housing for the microswitch appear to have fixed the problem. Thanks!!

[FANTOM P38]

Hi Slampadang & welcome to the forum.
I'm not too far from you and am in Yarraville frequently working, so if you get stuck or need a hand just yell out!
By the way keep a look out for our P38 Gathering in Vic we just postponed it last weekend due to fires in High Country, but will get back on track soon.
Martin

[redandy3575]

I had a similar problem, turned out the previous owner must have put the sensor in back to front and wasn't sticking properly. I therefor turned it back and never had a problem since.

[redandy3575]

I had a similar problem, turned out the previous owner must have put the sensor in back to front and wasn't sticking properly. I therefor turned it back and never had a problem since.

Until today!!!!! I did the same thing with the gaffer trick, works beautifully.