Opening a door with a broken lock mechanism?

[jik22]

I have what I assume is the common issue of the rear door actuator having given up the ghost on our ageing D3. The first went some years ago, so I suppose 12 years isn’t a bad run for this one.

However, I’m stumped as to how to get the door open to replace it? Last time, the fault was a bit intermittent, so at least the door could eventually be opened when it was in the shop to have it replaced.

This time, it won’t open with handles inside or out, or via the fob. Get the usual click from the CL, and handles move freely but don’t seem to engage anything?

Anyone got any ideas how to open it to get the door card off and either replace the actuator or see what else may be broken? Am I missing the obvious?

Has to happen now, about a month out from getting rid of it!

Thanks!

[Oztourer]

If the tailgate is closed and you haven’t got an emergency cable release mod fitted, then the only way is to try to cut a hole through the carpet card to access the mechanism from the inside. It’s a really crappy fault with an equally crappy fix. I’ve seen some YouTube videos out there on the subject. Good luck with it.

[jik22]

If the tailgate is closed and you haven’t got an emergency cable release mod fitted, then the only way is to try to cut a hole through the carpet card to access the mechanism from the inside. It’s a really crappy fault with an equally crappy fix. I’ve seen some YouTube videos out there on the subject. Good luck with it.

Sorry, probably could have been clearer....rear door, not tailgate!

Had the tailgate done many years ago under warranty too!!

[Oztourer]

Sorry, probably could have been clearer....rear door, not tailgate!

Had the tailgate done many years ago under warranty too!!

I probably read it wrong. I take it that the door is locked? Silly question but if so, have you tried using the manual unlock lever on the inside? My rear door actuator has failed too however it’s unlocked and I can open it. I posted my issue the other day and there is a video of how the mechanism works if that’s any help. Just sourcing a new part ATM. LR dealer wants $330 for a genuine replacement!!! I’m trying to decide the pros and cons of going aftermarket.

[rocket rod]

Anyone got any ideas how to open it to get the door card off and either replace the actuator or see what else may be broken?
I would say you're going to have to either get the door card off from the inside with the door closed and see if you can manually unlock it somehow or using the keyfob lock/unlock the car until it magically happens for you. Might need to plug the battery onto a charger for that option.

[jik22]

I probably read it wrong. I take it that the door is locked? Silly question but if so, have you tried using the manual unlock lever on the inside? My rear door actuator has failed too however it’s unlocked and I can open it. I posted my issue the other day and there is a video of how the mechanism works if that’s any help. Just sourcing a new part ATM. LR dealer wants $330 for a genuine replacement!!! I’m trying to decide the pros and cons of going aftermarket.

Yes, locked unfortunately.

I have a spare actuator...bought from the UK and OEM part.

[Lukeis]

If the tailgate is closed and you haven’t got an emergency cable release mod fitted, then the only way is to try to cut a hole through the carpet card to access the mechanism from the inside. It’s a really crappy fault with an equally crappy fix. I’ve seen some YouTube videos out there on the subject. Good luck with it.

Just for the benefit of others who may read this down the track. No you definitely don’t need to cut a hole in the carpet, that’s ridiculous. It’s not easy but you can lever the carpet out of the inside of the tailgate from the inside of the boot. It feels like you will break the plastic edge but done with care you’ll never know it was done. Once popped out you can release the tailgate

therr are videos and photos in other posts