P Reg Blue P38 · Apr 18, 2021

1997 Range Rover P38 4.6 HSE

Hi,

I thought I'd bought the gremlin-free P38. Everything worked, didn't eat batteries etc.

Until today when I went to unlock the tailgate.
Pressed the button, reassuring noise, the top opened, pressed the button again for the bottom gate, nothing.

The spring action seems as before, the fuse (no.14) isn't blown.

So is it the solenoid?

Any ideas - please help!

many thanks

Alan

RangeRoller dt · Apr 18, 2021

Theres the button, solenoid, also an earth that runs the entire length of the vehicle known to fault in there somewhere. If you've never opened up the lower tailgate before could just be crudded up need greasing and releasing.

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/boot-button-cheap-solution.343993/

Grrrrrr · Apr 19, 2021

RangeRoller dt said:
Theres the button, solenoid, also an earth that runs the entire length of the vehicle known to fault in there somewhere. If you've never opened up the lower tailgate before could just be crudded up need greasing and releasing.

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/boot-button-cheap-solution.343993/

Earths through centre microswitch on driver's door lock actuator. Seal on button sometimes fails allowing water in which can cause hassle.

Rubberknees · Apr 19, 2021

Spring sometimes goes in button. Replace the one in mine for one out of an old torch. Plus1 on the door actuator. had to replace mine a few years back

P Reg Blue P38 · Apr 19, 2021

RangeRoller dt said:
Theres the button, solenoid, also an earth that runs the entire length of the vehicle known to fault in there somewhere. If you've never opened up the lower tailgate before could just be crudded up need greasing and releasing.

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/boot-button-cheap-solution.343993/

Thanks RangeRoller dt I'll check that out. However the button movement seems normal - just that there's no click of the solenoid

P Reg Blue P38 · Apr 19, 2021

Grrrrrr said:
Earths through centre microswitch on driver's door lock actuator. Seal on button sometimes fails allowing water in which can cause hassle.

Thanks Grrrrrr. Interesting, because I've occasionally had a RH FRONT DOOR OPEN on the message centre when the drivers door is definately shut!
Will investigate...

P Reg Blue P38 · Apr 19, 2021

Thanks all for your ideas. Now does anybody know how to get inside the tailgate bottom from inside?
(The carpet trim buttons are at the bottom covered by that plastic plate!)

tomcat59alan · Apr 19, 2021

P Reg Blue P38 said:
Thanks all for your ideas. Now does anybody know how to get inside the tailgate bottom from inside?
(The carpet trim buttons are at the bottom covered by that plastic plate!)

I have a flat bladed screwdriver with a 90 degree end which will turn the trim buttons with the plastic guard pulled away from the tailgate.

Mark Piercy · Apr 19, 2021

Have you tried yanking the bottom gate while pressing the button?
If they are un oiled they'll stick and won't open. They may need oiling and the catches adjusting inward so that when the button is pressed the rubber seal pushes the gate away from the car.

RangeRoller dt · Apr 19, 2021

Microswitch failure is common. Probably worth getting panel off and checking everything is okay in there, pretty self explanatory once you see what’s in there nothing to be frightened of

P Reg Blue P38 · Apr 19, 2021

tomcat59alan said:
I have a flat bladed screwdriver with a 90 degree end which will turn the trim buttons with the plastic guard pulled away from the tailgate.

Thanks - I think I've got one somewhere...

Mark Piercy said:
Have you tried yanking the bottom gate while pressing the button?
If they are un oiled they'll stick and won't open. They may need oiling and the catches adjusting inward so that when the button is pressed the rubber seal pushes the gate away from the car.

Well both gates are locked but I'll give that a go! Thanks.

tomcat59alan · Apr 20, 2021

P Reg Blue P38 said:
Thanks - I think I've got one somewhere...

Well both gates are locked but I'll give that a go! Thanks.

You'll have to get in the back,get the trim off the bottom tailgate and manually open them.only two Phillips screws and the electric connector to get the button off.

P Reg Blue P38

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RangeRoller dt

Well-Sprung Member

Grrrrrr

Technician, Bodgit & Scarper Ltd

Rubberknees

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P Reg Blue P38

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P Reg Blue P38

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P Reg Blue P38

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tomcat59alan

Well-Known Member

Mark Piercy

Well fumbled member....

RangeRoller dt

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P Reg Blue P38

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tomcat59alan

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