Lower Tailgate Not Opening

[Odysseyman]

Hi everyone,

I am seeking help with troubleshooting and repairing my LOWER tailgate (MY2016 D4). I have searched high and low without success on what might be wrong with it.
When I press the button on the top edge of the lower tailgate to open it absolutely nothing happens. No click, no sound and of course it doesn’t open. I have, at least, learnt how to open it manually.

I have removed the panel off the lower tailgate and can see the right hand actuator but the left hand one is in behind the sub-woofer and I don’t want to remove that unless I really have to to effect a repair.

I have also removed the pres-button switch and it is clean and the wires are connected, so I’ve replaced it.

But I’m not sure if it is a mechanical or electrical issue.

Can anyone help please?

cheers
David

[RHS58]

Mate, I think you’ve gotta remove the subwoofer to explore further.

[Gravy]

This is from another Forum:


I thought I would update this thread as I know a number of people are searching for solutions to this particular problem on Discovery 4's.
So, you have a Discovery 4 and the tailgate won't open. It will likely be one of three problems - or if you are really unlucky, all three.
It will be a problem caused by the door switch, the cable or the actuator.
Door switch - if this is the issue, when you press up on the switch, nothing happens. However, when you use the tailgate opener on the key fob, the door opens. Solution: replace the switch.
Cable - if this is the issue, when you press the switch or operate the key fob, there is 'clicking and whiring' but the door won't open, the cable is broken. This was a common problem with pre-Disco 4 cars because the cable was weaker. It was redesigned for the 4. Solution, replace the cable. See below.
Actuator - When you operate the switch or key fob, there is a weak 'whiring' sound which reduces to silence with further pushes. This is going to be the most likely cause of the problem and will likely have become progressively worse over time - in other words, the door will have previously opened but only after multiple attempts. As soon as that first happens, it's best to change the actuator because doing so with the door stuck closed is far harder than with it open.
If it is the actuator and you decide to fix it yourself, you will need part number FUG500010. This is the latest actuator. It is up to you if you wish to replace the cable at the same time. If you do, it is part number LR017470 - both parts I sourced from Land Rover Direct.
I won't attempt to explain here how to open the door or replace the parts as there are plenty of examples on Youtube. It's a bit fiddly but if I can do it, anyone can!

[Odysseyman]

This is from another Forum:


I thought I would update this thread as I know a number of people are searching for solutions to this particular problem on Discovery 4's.
So, you have a Discovery 4 and the tailgate won't open. It will likely be one of three problems - or if you are really unlucky, all three.
It will be a problem caused by the door switch, the cable or the actuator.
Door switch - if this is the issue, when you press up on the switch, nothing happens. However, when you use the tailgate opener on the key fob, the door opens. Solution: replace the switch.
Cable - if this is the issue, when you press the switch or operate the key fob, there is 'clicking and whiring' but the door won't open, the cable is broken. This was a common problem with pre-Disco 4 cars because the cable was weaker. It was redesigned for the 4. Solution, replace the cable. See below.
Actuator - When you operate the switch or key fob, there is a weak 'whiring' sound which reduces to silence with further pushes. This is going to be the most likely cause of the problem and will likely have become progressively worse over time - in other words, the door will have previously opened but only after multiple attempts. As soon as that first happens, it's best to change the actuator because doing so with the door stuck closed is far harder than with it open.
If it is the actuator and you decide to fix it yourself, you will need part number FUG500010. This is the latest actuator. It is up to you if you wish to replace the cable at the same time. If you do, it is part number LR017470 - both parts I sourced from Land Rover Direct.
I won't attempt to explain here how to open the door or replace the parts as there are plenty of examples on Youtube. It's a bit fiddly but if I can do it, anyone can!





Thanks but that all refers to the UPPER tailgate!

I’ve already replaced that actuator, which is also housed in the lower tailgate.

[Briar]

Excellent video from "powerfulukltd" on how to install manual release for tailgate shows them removing sub-woofer. Easy peasy. Give it a look. I've not had to do it but after watching this I'd have no concerns about doing it and would allow you to get to lower tailgate switch. They have some excellent tutorial vids.

Land Rover Discovery 3 / 4 Upper Tailgate Internal Manual Actuator Release Upgrade - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIdxroXWLGY)

[RoundaWhile]

Hi everyone,

I am seeking help with troubleshooting and repairing my LOWER tailgate (MY2016 D4). I have searched high and low without success on what might be wrong with it.
When I press the button on the top edge of the lower tailgate to open it absolutely nothing happens. No click, no sound and of course it doesn’t open. I have, at least, learnt how to open it manually.

I have removed the panel off the lower tailgate and can see the right hand actuator but the left hand one is in behind the sub-woofer and I don’t want to remove that unless I really have to to effect a repair.

I have also removed the pres-button switch and it is clean and the wires are connected, so I’ve replaced it.

But I’m not sure if it is a mechanical or electrical issue.

Can anyone help please?

cheers
David

Hi David,
As you say there is an actuator on each side of the tailgate.
176181
First off I would get a multi meter and test what is happening at the switch.
The actuators should make some sort of noise. If you are not hearing anything I would suspect an electrical issue somewhere.

[DiscoJeffster]

Hi David,
As you say there is an actuator on each side of the tailgate.
176181
First off I would get a multi meter and test what is happening at the switch.
The actuators should make some sort of noise. If you are not hearing anything I would suspect an electrical issue somewhere.

I would assume a failed actuator like all other actuators fail in the car. Interestingly it’s not a common failure though, maybe because it gets used less compared to the top door [emoji2369]

[PerthDisco]

You can use a tool like a small screwdriver or even your finger to manually open the lower tailgate by popping the locks on each side. It’s not a disaster like the top not opening.

[loanrangie]

Where the catches are on either side of the tail gate there is a little plastic latch, push both in with your finger and it will open.

[RoundaWhile]

I would assume a failed actuator like all other actuators fail in the car. Interestingly it’s not a common failure though, maybe because it gets used less compared to the top door [emoji2369]

Highly unlikely that both actuators would go at exactly the same time. I would still bet on an electrical issue.

[DiscoJeffster]

Highly unlikely that both actuators would go at exactly the same time. I would still bet on an electrical issue.

You’re right. I hadn’t noticed they used two actuators,despite seemingly quoting it. My bad.
Oh the joys of fault tracing.

[Odysseyman]

Well, I removed the sub woofer after watching the Powerfuluk YouTube video (gave me a lot more confidence!) which allowed me to explore the wiring loom a lot more carefully. I couldn’t find anything more than I had already found but it did allow fairly easy access to the left hand side actuator if I need to replace it.

After much deliberation I have decided to replace the switch, part no. FQY500011, $85.80 from Doncaster LR. It’s being delivered today so I will fit it and see if that fixes it. (From Britparts and LR Parts UK it was 70 odd GBP plus shipping).

I decided to replace the switch because initially the failure to open was intermittent and I can’t imagine that both actuators would fail at the same time.

Thanks to all those who have offered assistance. I’ll report the outcome.

cheers
David

[Odysseyman]

Just a quick update on my LOWER tailgate. I had some time yesterday to spend on tracing this fault with my electrician friend. I had replaced the switch but that was not the problem. We had already tested the original switch and it seemed okay but wanted to be sure. So, $85 spent so far.
Yesterday I removed the sub woofer and then removed both actuators. Connected each to 12 volts and found the left hand side one wouldn’t operate with just a short pulse of 12v. So ordered a new one ($155) and will fit that when it arrives. Remains to be seen if that fixes the problem.

I would also like to give a shout out to Doncaster Land Rover. I have ordered from them by phone 3 times now and each time I have asked if it would be possible to deliver the parts. They have done so each time, to my home address, at no cost. Great service!!
Also when comparing prices their prices have been competitive with what I can buy overseas.
For example the left hand tailgate actuator from Britparts was around GBP72 plus freight.

cheers
David

[Jeffoir]

Hi David,
I enjoyed reading this thread. Thank you to all who contributed.
How did the LOWER tailgate actuator replacement work out please?
was the problem solved?
thank you.
best wishes.
Jeffoir.

[Odysseyman]

Hi David,
I enjoyed reading this thread. Thank you to all who contributed.
How did the LOWER tailgate actuator replacement work out please?
was the problem solved?
thank you.
best wishes.
Jeffoir.

Hi, yes, and no…

Replacing them did initially solve the problem however I now have occasional times that, when pressing the button to release the lower tailgate, nothing happens. Curiously I have discovered by accident that operating the upper tailgate button I can open the lower tailgate. Go figure…
This only happens occasionally and I haven’t experienced it for a while now so I still have no idea what’s going on. Some have suggested a poor earth somewhere but finding it is another matter altogether.
At this stage I’m just living with it.