Thread: Rear Tailgate not opening

Yep buy a new tailgate door lock assembly.

Heya Franz, how's it going?

I found that my door lock was mucking up also. I pulled the mechanism out and gave it a clean, then installed a second tension spring on the inner handle lever. It seems that the weakened spring on the handle was not allowing/forcing the locking mechanism to work properly. I haven't had any problems since.

If the above doesn't make sense, you're welcome to have a look at what I've done.

Originally Posted by winaje

Heya Franz, how's it going?

I found that my door lock was mucking up also. I pulled the mechanism out and gave it a clean, then installed a second tension spring on the inner handle lever. It seems that the weakened spring on the handle was not allowing/forcing the locking mechanism to work properly. I haven't had any problems since.

If the above doesn't make sense, you're welcome to have a look at what I've done.

Hi Will,

All good mate, hope the same with you.

I'll pull out the mechanism and go with your suggestion - any special tricks to remove or is it a straightforward job? Where did you source the spring from?

Cheers,

Franz
2004 D2a auto with mods

Removal: Small hands help, just take your time. Can be a bit of a wiggle and twist to get the lock out. Pretty sure you'll need a TORX bit, I have some you can borrow if you need them.

Spring, I have no idea, it was laying around in the workshop I had access to at the time. I'd suggest something about 30 or so mm long, I drilled a small hole in the end of the actuating lever and I think hooked the other end over something handy.

Sorry I can't remember more, was a couple of years ago, in the half dark one night.

My D2 tailgate stuck. I just sprayed heaps of WD40 on it and wiggled the outside handle back and forth to work it in. Six months later it works most times, occasionally it needs a little pushing on the handle or it wont lock in when you close it.

Jeff

Originally Posted by Jeff

My D2 tailgate stuck. I just sprayed heaps of WD40 on it and wiggled the outside handle back and forth to work it in. Six months later it works most times, occasionally it needs a little pushing on the handle or it wont lock in when you close it.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff.

I don't have any problem locking or unlocking it - the mechanism works. When I work the outside handle, nothing - the door won't open. Use the inside latch and it opens - works fine from then on until it's locked and unlocked again. Latch does not stick at all, it just won't release the mechanism (if that makes sense)

Hey Franz,
Check the child lock lever is all the way to the end of it's travel.
If it moves it can cause the same symptoms.

There seems to be a "sweet spot" where locking and unlocking can give the outer handle an alignment issue within the lock.
As you found on the searchs a wash(I use CRC) and lube(I use Grahite powder) seems to cure this.

Originally Posted by alpick

Yep buy a new tailgate door lock assembly.

did you buy new or used one? Cost?