URGENT: tailgate problem

[irondoc]

Hi guys, I'm traveling at the moment and went to start packing the car. Everything was going well until the third trip down when the upper tailgate wouldn't open. 2011 2.7 D4.

When I press the button on the upper tailgate, I can hear a slight click and nothing happens. this is different to the big unlocking sound you get normally. When I subsequently try and lock the car, it gives me the double beep and says the tailgate is open. If I start the car, then stop it, I can lock the car again.

note I have an autosafe cargo barrier installed.

I am aware of the tailgate problems with these cars, but I thought the cables broke on the lower tailgate, not the upper one, meaning you can't open the lower tailgate. Or am I confused - do the cables break on the lower tailgate, but this relates to the actuator that opens the upper tailgate?

I think I am stuffed and have to try and get in there from the inside... or call LR assist.

Any help would be appreciated.
Cheers
Lucas

[l00kin4]

There are a few ideas in this thread: http://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-disco...ml#post2520943

As per that thread, the failure is the latch for the upper tailgate which is in the lower tailgate. Hopefully one of the ideas there- engine running or unlock using switch up front will work for you, otherwise you do need access from inside...

Good luck

David

[BobD]

Mine broke some time ago, thankfully not on a trip. The indie fixed it by somehow opening it from the inside and it now has a loop of wire as an emergency opener if it goes again. Not much good for security but you would have to be looking hard to find it and I don't think many crooks would be looking for a wire tailgate opener. It was my choice to have it fitted but the mechanics suggested it.

[irondoc]

Thanks guys. I think I have been missing the point that the release mechanism for the upper tailgate is in the lower tailgate - it makes sense now.

Cheers
Lucas

[irondoc]

Hi guys

somehow my tailgate managed to open. Not sure how, but I have access to the boot, so pulled the cargo barrier out and tied some fishing line to the latch and dangled it out the back so I can give it a tug to help it along.

Not sure what is wrong with it, but I sprayed WD40 down there to try and loosen things up as it seems to be getting stuck on something.

i am a bit confused about how it works, as from the outside it appears to be a 2 stage process -ie pulling on the latch doesn't open it, it needs to be pulled from the inside.

For those guys that have done the mod to add a secondary cable - if you shut the tailgate and pull the secondary wire/string/whatever, does the tailgate open, or do you have to operate the handle also, then pull your secondary mechanism?

i will pull it apart when I get back to Sydney.
Cheers
Lucas

[TDV6]

I used to pull the fishing line tied to the actuator and at the same time, push on the upper tailgate with a umbrella that I always carried in the luggage area.

Ryall

[LandyAndy]

Lucas.
Once you repair it you need to get rid of the RP7,it will attract dust and make it worse.Dust could well be the problem.
You need to get a dry film lube.Sillycum or graphite are the go.They are available in a spray,the graphite spray wont be as suitable as its like a black or grey spraypaint(more used in heavy duty applications).Graphite powder is OK,but may not remain where you need it.The silicone spray is clear.
Andrew

[LandyAndy]

Something else to try if you get stuck again,try opening it with the engine running.If the battery is getting a bit sad it could be a simple voltage dropESPECIALY IF ITS HOT!!!!
Andrew

[LRD414]

The handle in the upper tailgate operates a microswitch that drives an actuator located in the lower tailgate.
The actuator pulls a wire, unlocking the latch in the lower tailgate that releases the upper tailgate.

There are two main failures; the actuator cable breaks near the actuator or the actuator just gets tired and stops operating.
Either way you need to get into the inside of the lower tailgate and operate the wire to release the latch. It's difficult to get inside and the best instructions are on Disco3.

EDIT: Disco3 link:
http://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/topic99648.html

It is far easier to operate the latch by pulling the wire with the trim off so I would be taking the trim off while it's working before you get home and the deal with it properly later.
Taking the trim off with lower tailgate open is 100x easier than when it's stuck closed.

Scott

[LRD414]

Just re-read your second post. Sounds like the actuator is tired and your fishing line is working well. I find that the manual operation of the latch only just releases the catch and you need someone to be pushing the upper tailgate upwards at the same time as operating the latch manually.

Scott