D3 rear top tailgate won't unlatch

**harry** · 23rd April 2017, 06:48 PM

ok, that's what has happened, top back door makes noises as usual when you press the button, but does not unlock.
bugger....
how do I unlock it?

has anyone here had this problem?

**DiscoJeffster** · 23rd April 2017, 07:12 PM

Common issue. You have to rip open the cover on the tailgate. I'd start googling the answer for precise instructions.
Oh and implement the cable fix for next time.

**PerthDisco** · 23rd April 2017, 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by harry

ok, that's what has happened, top back door makes noises as usual when you press the button, but does not unlock.
bugger....
how do I unlock it?

has anyone here had this problem?

http://media.disco3.co.uk/gallery/al...ator_DIY~0.pdf

**kenl** · 24th April 2017, 08:42 PM

Keep trying mine failed but with some periods of grace where it would open, I believe that having the engine running and the battery fully charged can help.

The motor that drives the actuator gets gummed up and slow, basically the brushes wear out.

If you do get it to open, then don't close it until you put a manual release mechanism in, I use some strong string.

That will keep you going until you get a new actuator.

**Mog60** · 24th April 2017, 09:52 PM

Originally Posted by DiscoJeffster

Common issue. You have to rip open the cover on the tailgate. I'd start googling the answer for precise instructions.
Oh and implement the cable fix for next time.

For a D4 but may be of use to you in some way. I couldn't find the original AULRO thread for this but many thanks to Scott H for preparing this "tailgate manual release" PDF

Link: Tailgate Manual Release.pdf.

I hope it is ok to place it here.

**LRD414** · 24th April 2017, 11:03 PM

Hardest part is to get into the trim if the tailgate is closed. There is a thread on here and in Disco3 but essentially you have to lever the carpet covered trim off enough to get down to the actuator to trip it. After that you can repair or replace and add a manual release so that you don't have to go through that pain ever again. That manual release document I did will give you some clues as to actuator location if you have got the carpet trim part off and are fishing down inside.

Scott

**letherm** · 25th April 2017, 10:05 AM

Here's a You tube clip and a thread from the UK forum that may help.

Land Rover LR3 Tailgate Troubleshooting - YouTube

DISCO3.CO.UK - View topic - How To - Tailgate latch replacement

Martin

Originally Posted by LRD414

Hardest part is to get into the trim if the tailgate is closed. There is a thread on here and in Disco3 but essentially you have to lever the carpet covered trim off enough to get down to the actuator to trip it. After that you can repair or replace and add a manual release so that you don't have to go through that pain ever again. That manual release document I did will give you some clues as to actuator location if you have got the carpet trim part off and are fishing down inside.

Scott

**letherm** · 25th April 2017, 10:12 AM

Here's one about how to open the tailgate.

LR3 LAND ROVER TAIL GATE WONT OPEN I SHOW YOU HOW TO OPEN WHEN IT IS CLOSED - YouTube

Originally Posted by letherm

Here's a You tube clip and a thread from the UK forum that may help.

Land Rover LR3 Tailgate Troubleshooting - YouTube

DISCO3.CO.UK - View topic - How To - Tailgate latch replacement

Martin

**PerthDisco** · 25th April 2017, 03:08 PM

Apologies as I thought my link above had full instructions. This thread could almost be in a Sticky such is the reliability that this is a Disco 3/4 problem everyone will experience at some point.

**harry** · 26th April 2017, 07:08 PM

thanks all for your replies and suggestions.
I looked at all the web pics and vids, none were telling the truth, it was more difficult than suggested.

I managed to get it open, but the trim took a beating, angle grinder with a cut off blade is my friend.
I ended up cutting the trim panel in half, as it was not possible to peel it back far enough to get in, and when the carpet decided it was not going to play the game, it became pointless to try to save it.

so, I cut the panel along the top and got it to come away, but the cables would not let me open it enough, a vertical cut and the trim panel was in two pieces.
bingo, found the cable and unlatched the top door.

it turned out that mine had a diecast L piece attached to the end of the cable and the leg had broken off.

so a quick fix with aircraft cable and swage sleeves, nicopress to those in the know, and I had it fixed quickly, actually the tools and cable stuff was already in the car from a job at work.
now to repair the trim panel, make an access panel in it for future repairs, and carpet it...

sorry, no pictures, I was working too fast to stop.

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