Hi folks

My lower tailgate has started playing up. About half of the times I close it the right hand side doesn’t lock in and I have to give it a push. Is this a known fault? What’s the fix?

Many thanks 2017 (67) Vogue SE Corinthian Grey

worth checking if you have a boot mat that is creeping forward and just preventing it closing fully. I had that in mine.

As a matter of course, lubricate the locks each side with WD40 too. Discovery 4 HSE
1998 110 TUM HS FFR Hard Top XD WOLF
1982 Series 3 Hard Top

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@Abacus 405:

Worth checking the alignment of the entire tailgate, the upper is known to drop and affect the lower.

Stand behind the closed-up car, and carefully examine the shut lines, if these are all OK, only then look at adjusting the latches.

Powerful UK have a few good videos on YouTube re tailgate alignment, if that’s what’s needed. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” -where’s the fun in that?

Dull result!
Removed the lower tailgate trim panel, lubricated both ends of the strut, as much of the pivot as I could, the ball end at the body attachment, both hinges. It’s now working. 2017 (67) Vogue SE Corinthian Grey

Sounds like a good result to me, problem fixed and no dollars down First time FFRR owner

I've read through all the previous lower tailgate issues and I recognise some of the symptoms but my issue seems to be different.

My lower tailgate switch only works once and then stops until I follow a certain sequence again.

When I open the full tail using the key fob, both halves open smoothly. In this status the lower tailgate button pressed causes the lower tailgate to close (smoothly) but thereafter the switch doe nothing. With the full tail open, the button on the upper causes both halves to close correctly.

These actions suggest to me that there's no mechanical cause to the lower half not working and the fact that a press of the button closes the lower half suggest s the switch is ok. I replaced the switch just in case but it made no difference. Tried all the reset functions with fully open tailgates, didn't do anything.

Would the two pinch sensors have an impact. I believe I can test their open/close easily. Update: I've tested both pinch sensors and they are working ok. I had thought they would operate as the door closes and perhaps their status be part of the logic for open/close, but they only sense obstructions and don't 'make' when the lower tailgate closes. Looking at the rubbers and alignment, I don't think they should but I can't find confirmation of that.

Thoughts, ideas? I'm suspecting the control unit, but dunno where it's located or I'm grasping at straws. Would a fault diag tool help?  1998 Freelander XEdi
2003 Freelander HSE
2006 Freelander V6
2006 Disco 3 TDV6
2012 Range Rover Vogue L322
2014 Range Rover Vogue 2014 L405
2017 Range Rover Vogue 2017 L405
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