Tailgate open message

[75driver]

I don’t drive the tourer often, so it’s been sitting up for 3 or 4 weeks.
When I started up today I’m getting the “tailgate open” message on IPK, with interior lights coming on. Tailgate is closed.
Photo below was taken at key position 2 just before starting.



When I press the brake, the ipk message clears and interior lights go out.
Remove foot from brake pedal and ipk message and lights reappear.

Would this message appear for the main tailgate, the tailgate window, or both?

I’ve depressed the sensor / switch for the tailgate window, but message did not go out.



I guess I have to disassemble the main tailgate latch to see what’s going on with its switch?
In here….?


Any other pointers gratefully received.😃

Ps I probably won’t get a chance to “tinker” for a week or two.


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[YHT]

I have had that problem and tried spraying lubricant into all the bits to little effect.
I had the problem after the car had been stood for a while and think the battery wasnt fully charged. Charged the battery and have been using it for moderate runs and it seems to have cured itself.
That may not be because of my efforts but because the vibrations caused by pot holed roads of late have vibrated an electrical connection/loosened up a slightly corroded plunger or whatever. Will be interested to see what anyone else suggests.

[75driver]

Originally Posted by YHT

I have had that problem and tried spraying lubricant into all the bits to little effect.
I had the problem after the car had been stood for a while and think the battery wasnt fully charged. Charged the battery and have been using it for moderate runs and it seems to have cured itself.
That may not be because of my efforts but because the vibrations caused by pot holed roads of late have vibrated an electrical connection/loosened up a slightly corroded plunger or whatever. Will be interested to see what anyone else suggests.

Hi Norman. Thanks for the response.
Out of curiosity, was your problem:
- just ipk message for tailgate open
Or
- ipk message for tailgate open that disappeared with break pedal depressed?

Either way I had already ordered a new battery as previous battery was either on its way out, or became discharged with interior lights being on for an extended period.

I’ll probably get a chance to fit it at the weekend to see if it makes a difference


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[SD1too]

Originally Posted by 75driver

I don’t drive the tourer often, so it’s been sitting up for 3 or 4 weeks.

Has it been outside for that period Sean, exposed to the weather?

Simon

[75driver]

Yes Simon. It’s outside all the time.


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[SD1too]

Originally Posted by 75driver

Yes Simon. It’s outside all the time.

Thanks for your quick reply.

Given the illogical symptoms involving the brake pedal, I'm wondering whether you have rainwater ingress affecting the electrics. More specifically, have you checked the plenum for standing water?

Simon

[YHT]

Hi Sean,
My prob was just the message on the dash and the tailgate glass was open. If I slammed it shut and it stayed shut the message stayed off but came on again if the glass opened again. Not happening now though ( fingers crossed) Hope you find the solution; if its the wet we are having maybe it wont until summer? Roll on Global Warming!!!

[75driver]

Originally Posted by SD1too

Thanks for your quick reply.

Given the illogical symptoms involving the brake pedal, I'm wondering whether you have rainwater ingress affecting the electrics. More specifically, have you checked the plenum for standing water?

Simon

To be honest I haven’t checked the plenum in a few months. It’s always been bone dry, but there’s always a first time.
I know I have some water ingress below the near side rear cubby hole, as it is damp in that area, and had gathered a cup full in the spare wheel well just after Christmas.
I haven’t had a chance to strip out the rear interior trim yet though.
I think that may well be my starting point (after checking the plenum).


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[Devilish]

I cannot see how the brake pedal extinguishing the tailgate open warning could be related to the Engine Control Unit, if anything it would be related to the Body Control Unit, weird anyhow, never heard of it before.
My guess is the brake pedal extinguishing the tailgate open warning could be related to a SMD failure in the IPK. It may have always been there, only popping its head up when the brake was depressed with a tailgate open warning fault.
The tailgate open warning will be more than likely due to failure of the tailgate open/closed microswitch inside the lock.
I have done many, the microswitch is not plug in, it is a SMD that is spot welded to the rail, it has to be snipped off leaving enough of the rail pins to solder a new switch to, using a little adhesive to hold it in place.
Or try another lock.

[75driver]

Just to follow up on this….
I haven’t had a chance to take a look at this problem, but yesterday I had to move the car. It wouldn’t start (failing battery), so i put in a new battery that I’d bought recently.
Car started and I noticed no “tailgate open” messages. Went for a short drive and normal service seems to have resumed (for now&#128580.
Just wondering if a failing battery could have been the cause of spurious message / message going out by pressing the brake pedal?
Very strange.


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