P38 lower tailgate opening latch

[davidsonsm]

Having run my battery flat last week, I couldn't get in to the boot to get my jump leads. The flat was caused by leaving the OBD Bluetooth device in the plug - I believe.

I have a draw and shelf in the boot so couldn't remove the tailgate inner cover.

In the end I used some spare leads and got Nora started. It made me realise the vulnerability of the push button servo driven latches. Hence why I've attached a strap to the black plastic rod. And made it accessible from the left hand side inside the boot. The other option considered was cutting a hole where the latch is and installing a blanking plate. But that would be slower to access compared to.a quick tug on the strap.

78248

[p38arover]

Scouse showed me his system of a piece of string attached to the lock. I must do that tomorrow because, with the drawers in, in the event of a power failure, I can't access the panel over the tailgate to remove it.

[wayneg]

Never given this much thought but now its in the open I want to copy. Is this self evident to achieve or are there any tips you can offer.

[davidsonsm]

The other option I thought of was installing a flat lever through a slot in the upper black plastic trim. But that's not as neat.

Once the inner panel is removed it becomes self evident. I scraped off the thin foam backing along the line of the strap to ensure free movement. I tried to ensure the strap was run inside the tailgate inner and outer panels as much as possible.

I glued a washer inside the folded over strap and hole punched the strap through the washer hole - at the end that goes over the black rod. I used a small cable tie and nut glued to the black plastic rod, to prevent the strap from sliding.
No doubt there's a better method, but was trying to use what I had available.

[p38arover]

Speaking of such things, has anyone got the petrol cap emergency release kit? Years ago I tried to get one from LR but they were no longer available.

I had a lash at making one but it wasn't successful.

[Keithy P38]

Good point Ron, mine has done the disappearing trick too...

[davidsonsm]

The petrol filling point cover will bust open in an emergency. I'm not too concerned about that. The small plastic latch is replaceable.

[TheTree]

HI

Mine has the filler flap release on it, I will try to take some pics next time I delve into that area

Steve

[p38driver]

Speaking of such things, has anyone got the petrol cap emergency release kit? Years ago I tried to get one from LR but they were no longer available.

I had a lash at making one but it wasn't successful.

My 98se doesn't have a fuel flap release cable so this is what i did to manualy open fuel flap in a emergency , you have to think of all different scenarios when owning a p38.78260

[TheTree]

HI

Good tip on the tailgate release, I shall have to do something about that as well !

Steve

[p38arover]

In the end I used some spare leads and got Nora started. It made me realise the vulnerability of the push button servo driven latches. Hence why I've attached a strap to the black plastic rod.

I had a look at mine tonight. How did you attached it to the lock mechanism?

[davidsonsm]

I attached the strap to the black plastic rod (the straight section) to the left of the right angle. So that the rocker is activated by the strap same as the servo motor would do.

[p38arover]

Hmm, I didn't see any plastic rod. I tried attaching to the metal rod at the bellcrank but it tended to bind the assembly up.

I'll have another look in daylight. I might have to strip the plastic dust shield sheeting off the tailgate so I can have a proper look inside instead of through the small opening that I've made.