Tourer tailgate locked

[oldie]

Many threads on this problem but none address my particular dilemma.

'53 tourer, tailgate locked, glass access window works. This has been an intermittent problem over the last few months but usually resolved after a brief interval. However the tailgate has now been locked for a week. I have tried a variety of proposed solutions, bar one. None suggested have released the door. The one untried is the manual release. The hole is there but no release lever and no sign of it. Any suggestions please?

[rich17865]

Can you take the trim off with the door closed?

[GeoffWW]

Hello Oldie,

...Just seen your problem and Richards reply. To add further, you do not need to remove any trim. The means to open the main hatch lock mechanically is already in place.

- With the tailgate window open:- through the open window,

1. Release the two rotating catches to release the cover for the emergency
triangle.(The rear inner side of the number plate)

2. Open the cover from the bottom.

3. Through the open window, with the cover raised to the horizontal, (open at
90 degrees), look between the hinged top edge offside end of the cover
and 'inside' the cover. You will see two horizontal black rectangular plastic
strips.

4. With a small screwdriver, or decent fingernails, slide the longer upper plastic strip towards the centre of the car and remove from it's holder. This is attached to the main tailgate lock mechanism by a plastic covered wire.

5. Once released, just pull on it and this will release the main tailgate.

I have just tried it on mine and it works. best of luck with yours.

You beat me to it Les.

[Les4048]

Originally Posted by GeoffWW

Hello Oldie,

...Just seen your problem and Richards reply. To add further, you do not need to remove any trim. The means to open the main hatch lock mechanically is already in place.

- With the tailgate window open:- through the open window,

1. Release the two rotating catches to release the cover for the emergency
triangle.(The rear inner side of the number plate)

2. Open the cover from the bottom.

3. Through the open window, with the cover raised to the horizontal, (open at
90 degrees), look between the hinged top edge offside end of the cover
and 'inside' the cover. You will see two horizontal black rectangular plastic
strips.

4. With a small screwdriver, or decent fingernails, slide the longer upper plastic strip towards the centre of the car and remove from it's holder. This is attached to the main tailgate lock mechanism by a plastic covered wire.

5. Once released, just pull on it and this will release the main tailgate.

I have just tried it on mine and it works. best of luck with yours.

You beat me to it Les.

You'd a much better and detailed description Geoff lol

[oldie]

Regrettably a previous owner has "lost" the manual release. I would post a picture (if I knew how) but all you would see is a hole where the release should be. I am truly up a creek without a paddle unless there is a solution short of gelignite.

What would happen if I disconnected the battery for some time? Might that reset the car to original settings. I think the car thinks the tailgate is unlocked whilst the lock is actually, immovably engaged. All other doors respond appropriately to instruction.

[GeoffWW]

Have sent you a pm

[Les4048]

Originally Posted by oldie

Many threads on this problem but none address my particular dilemma.

'53 tourer, tailgate locked, glass access window works. This has been an intermittent problem over the last few months but usually resolved after a brief interval. However the tailgate has now been locked for a week. I have tried a variety of proposed solutions, bar one. None suggested have released the door. The one untried is the manual release. The hole is there but no release lever and no sign of it. Any suggestions please?

On my Tourer there's a plastic pull string inside the panel on the tailgate, twist the two plastic knobs and you should see it inside