Tailgate latch issue

[Wesley]

Hi all,

Really hope someone can point me in the right direction please - I’ve spent hours on this today and got absolutely nowhere !

For some reason last week my boot would not open. It’s locks and unlocks but would not pop open most times.

Took a look on here and so far have figures out that the actuator is not the issue, also the rod arm slides all the way along both ways when locking and unlocking so that’s not the issue.

For some reason when unlocked the push in button does not line up correctly with the latch (with spring attached). It just slightly misses, hence why when I push the button it won’t open.

Nothing is loose though so I’m not perplexed. I’ve taken a video showing the issue in motion but not sure I can post on here.

Any help greatly appreciated - we have our annual big trip in 2 weeks and really need the boot to work.

Thanks all
Wesley

[davidoft1]

Have you got central locking ?

[Wesley]

Hi David,

Yes , I have central locking.

[davidoft1]

Hi David,

Yes , I have central locking.

You have the key /lock part in the wrong position most likely, I’ll check
Which way mine is

[Wesley]

That would be great thanks

I hope that fixes it as sounds a simple fix. The key/lock place is in the same position it’s always been though - horizontal.

It is all very strange , not sure why I’m surprised every time - whenever I think I’m finished on the van some issue always pops out of nowhere

[Aidan]

if key is horizontal then probably the central locking part is stuck, but iirc there are 3 positions on a central locking tailgate lock rather than the 2 on a manual but I haven't got the owners manual to hand to check

[Wesley]

Hi Aidan,

Messing around with it this morning if I turn the key to vertical the barrel passes through the horseshoe shape lever (as it should).
Key also turns to 2 0clock position and this moves the horseshoe shape lever (as it does when horizontal).

The issue seems to my untrained eye to be none of these areas. It appears that when the horseshoe lever is being pushed it does not connect with the gold coloured latch (with spring attached) that actually opens the boot.

It’s almost like some of it has worn away or something meaning it doesn’t line up anymore.

Does what I’m writing make any sense ? I have a video of it in action I can email you.

Ps thanks for putting me in touch with Neil re gearbox - van drives much better now

Best
Wesley

[davidoft1]

Put it in this position then lock and unlock the central locking and try to push the button to see if it releases

[Aidan]

If David's advice doesn't yield up a positive outcome then post up a video. I don't have central locking, in fact I have the Westy variant latch with the manual from inside option so can't even check how the normal latch looks except on google
So when the lock is horizontal the lock will push the horseshoe which it turn pushes the striker plate ? 


on this used one you can see where the lock has been pushing the striker plate

[davidoft1]

If David's advice doesn't yield up a positive outcome then post up a video. I don't have central locking, in fact I have the Westy variant latch with the manual from inside option so can't even check how the normal latch looks except on google
So when the lock is horizontal the lock will push the horseshoe which it turn pushes the striker plate ? 


on this used one you can see where the lock has been pushing the striker plate

I had a problem opening mine , pulled it all apart to find that the lock needs to be in a certain position as does the locking, I thought mine was broken, but it wasn’t

[Wesley]

Thanks both for all the advice

Strangely my push plate is more curved than the picture posted.

I am not the best with technology and can’t see how to post a video on here - or I can email if you send me email address ?

Thanks again
Wesley

[Aidan]

Wesley
did you get my email replies to yours ?