:redface: I've got a problem with a TR wagon. The tailgate/boot refuses to open. I can hear the central locking moving something inside the boot but when you lift the catch it feels like it's locked. Has anyone had this problem before? How do I get into the area when I can't get the boot open at all? I'm a bit stuck here and I'll be needing to carry something in the back shortly - any ideas at all???/:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

Have you tried to open it manually? (with the key, instead of the remote)

Sounds simple, but I got an email today saying someone actually was close to a nervous breakdown because their remote battery was flat and they couldn't get into their car. :roll:

Do you have a cargo barrier and can't climb over the back seat to get into the cargo area?

You might need to ask an auto locksmith. At least this has revived your thread.;)

Actually the car doesn't even have a remote so the key has been tried quite a few times.:P

I can get into the back but there isn't any obvious mechanism to open the tailgate from the inside. It's still stuck!

I feel like un-stucking it with a sledge-hammer:rant: :rant: :rant:

I had the same problem on a TP wagon where the main handle broke on the inside of the tailgate.I had get the trim of and reach inside to get hold of the rod that's connect to the handle (was) and pull it.It's not easy to get all of the trim of because certain plugs you can't get at with the tailgate closed.From memory I pulled the top section of the trim has much I can and stuck my hand in there:shock:

I feel like un-stucking it with a sledge-hammer:rant: :rant: :rant:A locksmith will be cheaper in the long run.;) Unless there's a brilliant 2nd gen owner out there with some pearls of wisdom...

how is a lock smith going to help when they have tried the key to get it open?

Could be the child safety lock. Tried using the key?

Could be the child safety lock. Tried using the key?
:stoopid: ive done this as well (sedan mind you) where the power cable for a trailer (mine hangs out the boot when needed) caught the little switch, and the button inside or the remote wouldnt work, but the key did

Tim, get some glasses, I think you're becoming blind!

No there isn't a safety lock on the tailgate (there really isn't any need, there are no handles inside).

When you pull the handle lever, does it feel its still lock or do you feel there is some sort of strain? If its straining, its probably jammed.

What about when you turn the key, is there that feeling the lock is latching/unlatching itself, or is it pretty much freewheeling?

You may need to end up butchering the interior trim on the tailgate and unlatch it from the inside.

Tim, get some glasses, I think you're becoming blind!

agreed... :)

how is a lock smith going to help when they have tried the key to get it open?I don't really know, but I'd at least ask people I know for a recommendation and ring one up. How do they open any lock that's no longer working?:confused:

If the 2nd gens have a lever on the outside like the 3rd gens then I'd get into the cargo area and use some force from the inside while someone uses the lever on the outside. Looks like someone had to do that in mine before we owned it - small crack in the trim on the tailgate.:roll:

Thanks for the responses.

We've tried the key - it turns and makes un-locking type sounds, but there you can't get the normal level of resistance when lifting the catch. It always feels too light. It isn't binding/jammed.

The continued existence of the interior trim is looking uncertain. :shock:

i am having the exact same problem with my TF wagn did u find a soloution to this problem cause mitsubishi just said to tear off the exterior trim were it says magna and open the boot and replace the plastics that are broken.

Since there's been no response to this, from memory munter told me via pm he had to force it open from the inside. Apparently the car had been in an accident and the catch was crooked.

ok kool thanks for the reply mate

Thanks for the responses.

We've tried the key - it turns and makes un-locking type sounds, but there you can't get the normal level of resistance when lifting the catch. It always feels too light. It isn't binding/jammed.

The continued existence of the interior trim is looking uncertain. :shock:
Munter,

My TF wagon tailgate decided to "shut up shop" earlier in the week.
maXwagon mentioned that you were eventually able to open yours by forcing it from the inside.

The rods connecting the lock and handle to the catch are all connected and operating, so the problem must be with a mechanism inside the catch.

I've pulled away enough of the interior trim to get my hand down inside the door to "fiddle" with the catch, but I cannot manipulate any parts of the catch to make it open.

Can you recall what you actually did with the catch to make it open?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Regs,

TSK

Sorry for the slow reply. I don't get on here often. The problem was identified as a slightly bent latch point where it had been nudged from behind by another car. It was fixed by pulling the part of the chassis where the latch is located back out with a webbing strap. I didn't actually see the mechanic do this but that is how he described it to me. Once it was pulled out the latch released as per usual.
Seems like the wagons are a little prone to this kind of problem. :cry:

It's a bit of a bump, but..

I had this problem - turned out in my case it was a small piece of glass wedged down in the latch, rendering the handle and mechanism useless. I had to rip back the inside trim and poke around with some wire. A small mirror was handy.

I live very near a pub, and 6 months ago some drunks smashed the back window on their way home - a gift that kept on giving, as I didn't have a tailgate for a week, twice :roll:

i would have figured the easiest way is to give it a couple of fonzie taps from the inside while someone outside plays with the handle.

Heeeyyy! Nah - I'm not that cool :)

A happy byproduct, though - left the trim off, now i don't need to get re-gassed struts :D