Rear Tailgate Problem

I have a freelander 1.8 softback (2001).

We have a problem with the rear tailgate window which only occurs when the weather is cold (usually early morning or at night). When the tailgate is opened, the glass lowers slightly as it should, however when the tailgate is then closed, the glass lowers completely and will not go up again (either by using the key or the internal switch). The only way that I can get the glass to raise is to wait until the day warms up (if it does) and then retry, or to drive the car some distance (with the heater on full) to warm it up (as much as you can warm it up with the window wide open!!) and again retry. We had this problem last winter and we had widow recallibrated, but it did not resolve the issue. We had no problem at all during the summer, but now that it is damp and cold again, the fault has reoccurred. Whenever I take the car to the garage to have it looked at the problem does not seem to manifest itself (presumably because the car has warmed up during the drive or because its warmer during the day).
I am guessing this is down to a sensor or microswitch somewhere malfunctioning in the cold (though I could be wrong), but I don't really know where to start. I have checked that the roof microswitch is properly depressed and as I mentioned, it is all working fine in the warmer weather. I'd be most grateful for any ideas.
Many thanks

Julian

Well Julian my old china, this is a common fault..you can either stop opening the tailgate each morning before you drive or set fire to the vehicle in a secluded lane.

I recommend the latter as then you can be safe in the knowledge that the vehicle is nice and toasty and the glass is functioning.

do you open the door while the engine is running ?

I'm wondering if the battery is struggling in the cold weather, when you open the door the voltage dips enough to make the ecu think the battery is disconnected, and then drop the window.

just a thought, try waiting till the engine is running.

Only an idea,

Have you checked for a dodgy earth or is the multi connector dirty/ cracked on the motor.
Sounds like your ecu is losing settings. If the rear window opens on its own it usualy needs calibrating, hence dirty connector or cold weather affecting an earth which is messing with your ecu.

Hope this is of some help.