AU3 tailgate lock jammed - how to open it?

[ianw100]

Hi guys,
We have an AU3 wagon and for the last couple of weeks the tailgate actuator has "ratcheted" for about 3 seconds each time it is unlocked, either from the dash switch or the Remote. Then 2 days ago it stopped ratcheting and just clicked, BUT it doesn't unlock. The key lock in the tailgate doesn't unlock it either, so my question is, how do we get the tailgate open? Once open we'll extract the actuator and check it out, but after studying the forum I cannot find how to get the tailgate open. Hope someone can assist with this - look forward to your reply!
Cheers,
Ian

[seduced_xr]

im not sure about the wagons but some people have had issues with EF and AU sedans where theyve had to cut a peice off the boot and get at the mechanism that way.. i think that one was on an EF sedan, i think with the wagons u can pull the plastic off the inside of the tail gate and get at it that way. ive only ever had to get at an AU with keys locked in the boot and an LPG tank behind the rear seat.

[Linz]

As has been said ^^^, you should be able to pull the carpeted panel off the inside of the tailgate and fold it down to get to the locking assembly. You'll probably have to remove the pull down strap to make it a bit easier as well...of course, you'll be in a spot of bother if you have a cargo barrier, but you might be able to remove enough bolts after folding down the rear seats.
Good luck.

[Bushbasher]

If you have a full length factory cargo barrier you're up creek and you'll need to get bolt cutters to cut your way through the barrier but once in you pop off the carpeted panel (after removing the grab strap) from the bottom up and lift it straight up ond off of the tailgate as it's got a lip that hooks over the top of the tailgate frame, just like a door card has for the door, then you should be able to get to the lock. I had a similar locking problem with my wagon but luckily it opened spontaniously just as I was about to start attacking it with the bolt cutters cos I have the factory barrier. If I remember correctly the problem turned out to be the little hook plate that actuates and moves away from the rotating latch, releasing the latch, when you activate the lock. It was jambing and not moving back far enough to release the door. I helped the actuator hook back and forth while using the remote/servo motor to losten the crud from around it then blew it out with compressed air and lubed it with some CRC/RP40 etc. and it's been fine ever since.
Before you get too carried away, first try pushing on the door while you activate ther lock . That should release the pressure on the lock and hopefully help it release. Once open, thoroughly check all the way round the door seal for anything that would interfere with the smooth closing of the door. It doesn't take much to cause a problem, even just the seal itself not sitting quite snug on it's rail will cause a pressure spot that can either stop the door from latching or once latched, allow it to release easily. Have you ever had to slam the tailgate shut 2-3-4 times to get it to lock? That's because there's an interference around the seal somewhere. The gate should lock when released from no more than 40-50cm from closed under it's own weight; if it doesn't there's a problem.


Bushbasher

[Linz]

Originally Posted by ianw100

Hi guys,
We have an AU3 wagon and for the last couple of weeks the tailgate actuator has "ratcheted" for about 3 seconds each time it is unlocked, either from the dash switch or the Remote. Then 2 days ago it stopped ratcheting and just clicked, BUT it doesn't unlock. The key lock in the tailgate doesn't unlock it either, so my question is, how do we get the tailgate open? Once open we'll extract the actuator and check it out, but after studying the forum I cannot find how to get the tailgate open. Hope someone can assist with this - look forward to your reply!
Cheers,
Ian

How did you get on with this Ian?

[ianw100]

Apologies for delayed response, my Mum was very ill and passed away 2 weeks ago. thanks to advice on the forum I found if you climb into the cargo area you can remove the top of the tailgate trim and thus access the mechanism and hence unlock the tailgate. Then you can remove the actuator but reconnect the linkages so you can still use the key to unlock it. Now that things have quietened down a bit for me I'll adress replacing the actuator; actually some teeth on a small gear have stripped but I'll bet one cannot buy just the gear!
Thanks for the advice, really really useful.

[Dave_Obsession]

my condolences to you and your family Ian......