Hi,

I have the hatchback model and was wondering how to get access to the tailgate latch/lock which I think has failed. You hear sounds of a motor but no locking takes place. Having to keep the tailgate closed with string at the moment and receive the tailgate open warning every time I go over a bump which is very distracting.

I have removed the plastic pull cord which was held on with one bolt. Are there other bolts which need removing before you can remove the trim from the tailgate? I have had a good look around but cannot see any. I used a pry tool to try and remove the trim but it simply would not release other than move a few mm. Youtube does not seem to have a video on the procedure.

Thanks in advance,

Peter

I'll reply to my own topic only because I have just fixed the latch and it might be helpful to someone else. There may be a better way of doing to but my method was to first remove the pull chord bolt. I left the plastic pull chord in place. I then unscrewed the two rubber gromets from the bottom of the trim (holes circled in blue). I then used a chisel wrapped in tape as a pry tool to detach the trim from the tailgate.

I had to pry 6 clips away from the metalwork (4 at the bottom and 2 at the sides) to get access to the latch. You have to line up the pry tool with the clips and lever down. You can then remove the plastic latch cover.

The latch is held on with 2 nuts (size 13). It can then be removed from the tailgate. You have to disconnect the electrical connection first. The problem with mine was that the piece of light green plastic circled in purple was underneath the white plastic lever. It needs to be above as in the photograph. Once corrected, the latch started working. No idea how it got in to that position that but it all seems to work fine for now.