Member Since: 29 May 2007
Location: Dundee, Scotland
Posts: 20841
How To - Tailgate latch replacement
I am aware there are a few versions of this floating around, but here is mine anyway
I got my new latch from geoff. on this very forum. He replaces the weak part with a much stronger stainless steel pin, which will never break again
Fold the rear seats down, and climb into the boot. Using 2 large flat blade screwdrivers, or trim clip tools, prise the carpet out from underneath the top plastic finisher in the approximate location. Having done a few of these, this is the easiest place I have found to prise it out, without causing any damage to the trim
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Use one screwdriver to lever the trim upwards, and use the 2nd to pull the carpet out
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Once at this stage, pull the rest of the carpet out from under the trim
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Pulling back the trim, this is what you will see
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Use a trim clip removal tool, similar to this
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Cut a small slit into the water shedder in the approximate location of the cable. Place the middle of the tool into the cable, and push out of the actuator mechanism. This is what you will actually see
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Better picture here from a later stage, showing what you are aiming for
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Once the cable is out of the actuator housing, pull the remaining part of the cable, and the upper latch will open
Hopefully, not onto a dead Freelander
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Once open, remove the 4 screw head covers, and undo the 4 screws. Then lift the trim off
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Remove the tailgate straps. To do this, push the retaining clips out of the groove. Once out, the cable ends can be pulled off the balls
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Remove the 13mm bolts from the tailgate, and remove the carpet trim
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Find the 2 bolts holding the actuator mechanism to the lower tailgate, and undo.
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Locate the electrical connector on the right hand side of the actuator. You will have to make another cut in the water shedder to find it
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With the actuator out, remove the 2 screws holding the plastic cover onto the actuator
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Next, move onto removing the latch and cable. Held in with 3 bolts
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Remove the electrical connector from the latch
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Once out, you can clearly see the cause of failure
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Fit the new cable into the plastic part of the actuator, and clip the plastic part of the cable into the metal bracket
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Refit plastic cover, and refit the latch and actuator into the tailgate, remembering to reconnect the electrical connectors
Before refitting all the trims, it is wise to ensure everything is working as required. Close the latch with a screwdriver, close the lower tailgate, and operate the upper tailgate switch. Ensure the latch opens correctly
Once working OK, refit all the trims, and job done :thumbsup:
Admin note: this post has had its images recovered from a money grabbing photo hosting site and reinstated My D3 Build Thread
Member Since: 24 Jan 2010
Location: West kent
Posts: 8531
yes its one of the returned latches with a stainless end silver soldered on and like mikey says very doubtful it will ever break
24th Aug 2013 8:25 pm
Narpy
Member Since: 18 Jul 2011
Location: Stockport
Posts: 7830
So the new stronger cable is permanently attached to the latch?Mods:
Front Fogs + Halos
FBH Remote Control
The 1st Ever RRS Modded Grill
Garmin Nuvi + D4 Surround + Reversing Camera.
D4 Steering Wheel.
Rear Boot Spoiler.
Twin Brake Lights.
Wing Mirror Indicator Repeaters.
Long Roof Rails
Make your own Narpy grill thread
I'm not scared, I'm outta here.
24th Aug 2013 8:27 pm
Disco_Mikey
Member Since: 29 May 2007
Location: Dundee, Scotland
Posts: 20841
The cable is always attached to the latch. It is only the hooked end that is replaced My D3 Build Thread
Member Since: 24 Jan 2010
Location: West kent
Posts: 8531
as shown in picture 18
24th Aug 2013 8:34 pm
Narpy
Member Since: 18 Jul 2011
Location: Stockport
Posts: 7830
Didn't know that DM, I always thought the cable was a replacement part without the latch. Mods:
Front Fogs + Halos
FBH Remote Control
The 1st Ever RRS Modded Grill
Garmin Nuvi + D4 Surround + Reversing Camera.
D4 Steering Wheel.
Rear Boot Spoiler.
Twin Brake Lights.
Wing Mirror Indicator Repeaters.
Long Roof Rails
Make your own Narpy grill thread
I'm not scared, I'm outta here.
24th Aug 2013 8:37 pm
Disco_Mikey
Member Since: 29 May 2007
Location: Dundee, Scotland
Posts: 20841
Nope. Nothing ever goes wrong with the latch, only the end breaks off the cable.
Buying geoff's one is not only cheaper than buying a new part, but it will last forever My D3 Build Thread
What I have found fits a treat in the same way you have done yours Narpy is the locking pin from the rear cam belt tensioner its a perfect size and fits well for a quick fix..
But Geoffs fix should last forever..
Flack
24th Aug 2013 9:14 pm
russogden
Member Since: 08 Sep 2013
Location: Sussex
Posts: 1
Hi .. I've got the same boot latch failure - does anyone know where to get a replacement cable end? It sounded like Geoff can supply one? Trying to avoid buying the whole new latch unit.. Many Thanks Russ
Geoff can supply a new refurbed unit, taking your failed one in px, you cannot get the end as a part anywhere unless you make one Altox GSM FBH controller thread
IID Pro MV License - D3, D4 & RRS - Enabling, Updates, D4 & RRS Timed / Remote Climate, D4 Bluetooth fitting
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D4 & RRS style D3 grilles made to order
8th Sep 2013 8:51 pm
chalky
Member Since: 21 Aug 2008
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 3145
I've spent a couple of hours this afternoon fettling my tailgate, whilst i was at it i replaced the whole rear handle as well, even for me it was an absolute doddle to do.
I followed a you tube link to get the upper tailgate handle off, rear upper inside trim off then undo X4 screws and X3 bolts, unclip the connector and re fitted new one.
As for the lower tailgate once the things open and as long as you follow DM's excellent How-To then the hardest bit of the whole thing is getting that black collared grommit thing back in the metal housing that was an absolute B@stid to get out !
Can i just say that i"ve been going to fit a bit of Para-Cord to mine for the past 12 Months and had i done so i'd have saved myself a lot of trouble in getting the trim off and fitting all the bits.
In short if yours has not YET failed then bastardise it soon !
I'd just like to say thanks to both Disco Mikey & Geoff
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