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EL station wagon, Fixing tail gate that won't open? 

 

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 Post subject: EL station wagon, Fixing tail gate that won't open?
Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2012 10:21 pm 
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Hey guys, As of yesterday my boot wont open :/

I tried to open it yesterday at work to put some stuff in the back to do the post run but when I pulled the handle the tail gate didn't release and the handle just got stuck in the up position and didn't spring back down to it's usual position.

So now I can't open the tail gate because unless I've missed it I don't think theres a way to open it from the inside??

Problem is, I think the only way to fix this is to find the mechanism that controls the handle which I think to do so I have to pull the tail gate cover off and the only way to do that is to undo the screws around the outside which you can't get to without having the boot open?
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 Post subject: Re: EL station wagon, Fixing tail gate that won't open?
Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2012 11:41 pm 
Getting Side Ways
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Had the same problem with mine. You should be able to use a screwdriver or similar to prise (carefully) the release handle back to it's original position so you can at least get it open. It was the return spring on the handle that let go on mine. You will need to remove the tailgate inner skin and the number plate surround to get access to the handle/locking mechanism. Once you have the plate surround off you should be able to see how to fix it.

 

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 Post subject: Re: EL station wagon, Fixing tail gate that won't open?
Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 10:38 am 
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Esteven8 wrote:
Had the same problem with mine. You should be able to use a screwdriver or similar to prise (carefully) the release handle back to it's original position so you can at least get it open. It was the return spring on the handle that let go on mine. You will need to remove the tailgate inner skin and the number plate surround to get access to the handle/locking mechanism. Once you have the plate surround off you should be able to see how to fix it.



I have the handle back in it's original position (using a screw driver worked) but I'm not sure how to open the tail gate? I tried pulling the handle again, didn't open it so I just used the screw driver again to put it back in the resting position but I have no idea how to open the tail gate now?
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 Post subject: Re: EL station wagon, Fixing tail gate that won't open?
Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 12:51 pm 
Getting Side Ways
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Aussierox wrote:
Esteven8 wrote:
Had the same problem with mine. You should be able to use a screwdriver or similar to prise (carefully) the release handle back to it's original position so you can at least get it open. It was the return spring on the handle that let go on mine. You will need to remove the tailgate inner skin and the number plate surround to get access to the handle/locking mechanism. Once you have the plate surround off you should be able to see how to fix it.



I have the handle back in it's original position (using a screw driver worked) but I'm not sure how to open the tail gate? I tried pulling the handle again, didn't open it so I just used the screw driver again to put it back in the resting position but I have no idea how to open the tail gate now?

Hmmmm.. yours may have a broken linkage. Unfortunately I can't think of any other way to get the tailgate open either, and you kinda need it open to fix it as there are 4 bolts on the inside of the tailgate you need to undo to get the plate surround off. :( When you return the handle to its original position can you hear or feel it click? If not, I'd go with a busted linkage.

 

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 Post subject: Re: EL station wagon, Fixing tail gate that won't open?
Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 1:11 pm 
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No Clicking what so ever it also no longer has any "bite" to it. It's completely free moving :(
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 Post subject: Re: EL station wagon, Fixing tail gate that won't open?
Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 1:14 pm 
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go buy a new surround/ garnish and take your number plate off undo the one screw you can get to then break the plastic and you can get to everything.

thats the only way i can think of.

 

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 Post subject: Re: EL station wagon, Fixing tail gate that won't open?
Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 1:17 pm 
Getting Side Ways
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Can you access the cargo area at all? Just had a quick look at mine and if you can prise the top of the tailgate skin out a little you may be able to get a slim jim or coathanger down there and snag the release mechanism.

 

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dc_todd wrote:
Cheap pads squeal like cheap hookers, and you can take that to the bank.


Au Fairmont Ghia
My (Old) 95 EF Wagon

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 Post subject: Re: EL station wagon, Fixing tail gate that won't open?
Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 1:19 pm 
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Esteven8 wrote:
Can you access the cargo area at all? Just had a quick look at mine and if you can prise the top of the tailgate skin out a little you may be able to get a slim jim or coathanger down there and snag the release mechanism.


wont work, you need to get between the window and the tail gate from the inside to get to anything.

 

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eaton M112 supercharger, lowered a tad, extractors, 2.5" exhaust, T5 , custom SureCam supercharger cam, 3.45 lokka, 2 piece tailshaft, poyair bags in the back, TSS front Skirt, Sprint skirts, XR wagon spoiler.
soon to get: AU diff, upc 330mm brakes, Vapor LPG injection.

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 Post subject: Re: EL station wagon, Fixing tail gate that won't open?
Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 1:21 pm 
Getting Side Ways
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ausedwagon wrote:
Esteven8 wrote:
Can you access the cargo area at all? Just had a quick look at mine and if you can prise the top of the tailgate skin out a little you may be able to get a slim jim or coathanger down there and snag the release mechanism.


wont work, you need to get between the window and the tail gate from the inside to get to anything.

You're right, I forgot about the steel between the skin and release. :oops:

 

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dc_todd wrote:
Cheap pads squeal like cheap hookers, and you can take that to the bank.


Au Fairmont Ghia
My (Old) 95 EF Wagon

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 Post subject: Re: EL station wagon, Fixing tail gate that won't open?
Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 1:34 pm 
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Remove your number plate, get a hole saw, cut hole behind the number plate, use a pair of long nose pliers to release linkage.

Benn there before. You can get a rubber pug to fill the hole or get a replacement garnish.
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 Post subject: Re: EL station wagon, Fixing tail gate that won't open?
Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 2:39 pm 
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oh man this sounds like it's going to be hell to fix :/ sigh...
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 Post subject: Re: EL station wagon, Fixing tail gate that won't open?
Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 3:56 pm 
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You should be able to flex the top of the inside trim to get it away from the lower inside tailgate window - there's enough flex in that panel to get to the 4 bolts, the 3 press retainers will just pop free, then undo the no plate and the other outside bolt.
Worked for me - no need to cut/damage anything.

 

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 Post subject: Re: EL station wagon, Fixing tail gate that won't open?
Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 3:58 pm 
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That would work except that I dynamatted the tailgate :/
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 Post subject: Re: EL station wagon, Fixing tail gate that won't open?
Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 4:05 pm 
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Aussierox wrote:
That would work except that I dynamatted the tailgate :/



it still will work, break the suround off and replace it, the dynamat will come with it.

 

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94 White ED Wagon
eaton M112 supercharger, lowered a tad, extractors, 2.5" exhaust, T5 , custom SureCam supercharger cam, 3.45 lokka, 2 piece tailshaft, poyair bags in the back, TSS front Skirt, Sprint skirts, XR wagon spoiler.
soon to get: AU diff, upc 330mm brakes, Vapor LPG injection.

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 Post subject: Re: EL station wagon, Fixing tail gate that won't open?
Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 4:07 pm 
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Good thing I have some spare dynamt then, I suppose I'll just snap the surround off and pick up a new one from the wreckers in dandy I guess that's where i'd get a new locking mechanism from too?
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