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

[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.
actuator.JPG
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.
actuator.JPG
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

[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

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