I've never been beaten by a vehicle before. There's been times I've started to think I've bitten off more than I can chew, but I've got there in the end. The Freelander has done it.

A year after posting about tailgate issues I'm no further forward.

The situation:

1998 XDI

After a flat battery, the rear window went down. It won't lift up. The rear door won't open because the window isn't calibrated.

With power direct to the motor via the plug on the o/s rear quarter, the regulator moves up and down. Continuity confirmed on all wires entering the tailgate. Wiper microswitches working.

With engine bay fuse F9 (engine management) removed the tailgate handle works and the door opens and closes. Dash display says doors shut, courtesy light extinguishes.

Key in tailgate does nothing. Dash switch does nothing (no power)

CDL seitch in the console doesn't do anything either - must admit I'm not sure if it ever has.

All fuses ok.

I've tried disconnecting the battery etc with the glass up and down, alarm set and not set.

I'm out of ideas and not prepared to buy random bits to try and fix it. Spent enough doing bits in readiness for an mot, only to befoiled by the 3 amigos).

Bloody thing still starts instantly! (As long as F9 is in).

Has anyone any ideas? Other than tar and feather whoever designed the electrics? Main dealer diagnosis isn't an option and I don't know anyone with hawkeye.

Or is it destined for spares/repair on ebay?

I had something similar the other day on my TD4, its a newer one but it may be the same problem. On mine the window was stuck up. I found that the tape around the wires that go around the inside of the tailgate had fallen apart and the wires got caught as the window went down when the battery was reconnected. I found a small wire had been pulled out of the multi connector behind the door lock. May not be it but getting the door lock out isn't too tricky so may be worth a look.

I read this a few days ago and guessed that someone more knowledgable would offer some guidance. But here's my penny-worth. I sounds to me like a wiring issue. Possibly some damage to the loom in the rear area? Chaffing... and or possibly a wire/s actually broken in the loom. Look in the driver's rear corner, you will have to remove that plastic corner in the luggage area. Check where the wiring goes through body work to the tail door... You have proved the door's wiring itself... Have you taken off the rear door handle and checked that micro switch there? A clean and WD40 wouldn't hurt. I hope this helps and doesn't infuriate!