Jon D
Member Since: 04 Jul 2016
Location: South East
Posts: 5
|
Hi folks,
I realize this thread is over 2 years old, but were having the same issue with our 05 landy Ambulance, we can't get the upper part open, the electrics are working but it's caught on the drivers side.
We have medical shelving (drivers side) and a stretcher in the back very close to the lower back door, we need to gain access asap for obvious reasons, what't the best way to get the upper part open?
Hope to hear from someone asap.
Thanks.
|
 4th Jul 2016 12:47 pm |
|
|
lynalldiscovery
Member Since: 22 Dec 2009
Location: Maidstone
Posts: 7274
  
|
Theres a good american video on youtube, except now I cant find it?
I assume you can get to the inside of the rear tailgate?
|
| 4th Jul 2016 1:09 pm |
|
|
Heppleston
Member Since: 22 Oct 2011
Location: Uk
Posts: 14
|
The upper lid latches to the lower.
The release cable is inside the lower, behind the carpet trim.
I cut the trim panel off the inside of the door, as its impossible to remove because its closed. Cut the black plastic at each side where it covers the side latches. It can be done carefully.
Remove panel, reach inside the lower door and pull release cable with a pair of pliers. Top door will open.
Repair cable release ferule with a wire tie and/or cable clamp.
Replace carpet panel - or buy a new one like I did.
I recall that's how I did it, but could be wrong.
Good Luck
|
| 4th Jul 2016 1:17 pm |
|
|
lynalldiscovery
Member Since: 22 Dec 2009
Location: Maidstone
Posts: 7274
|
The video I mentioned above showed the guy using a flat screwdriver to pop the carpet panel out from under the lower tailgate trim piece with no damage then he stuck his hand down the gap and pulled on the cable to release the catch.
|
| 4th Jul 2016 1:22 pm |
|
|
Jon D
Member Since: 04 Jul 2016
Location: South East
Posts: 5
|
Hey, thanks for the reply.
Hmm it would be handy to know which video.
Yeah i/we can get in the rear, via passenger door on the driver side, where a medic seat has been fitted. Right behind the seat is the shelving & equipment.
When you are sitting in the medic seat seat facing forward behind the drivers seat you have the stretcher to your left. So both the shelving and the stretcher are very close to the rear door as you can imagine. Shelving is 3/4 way high from the floor to the roof on the drivers side. The stretchers is 1/4 high on passenger side.
But access to the trim on the upper back is bloody tight on the drivers side for nigily work space wise.
|
| 4th Jul 2016 1:30 pm |
|
|
gavinwolfenden
Member Since: 09 Apr 2012
Location: Dereham
Posts: 4
|
I used tyre levers to lift the trim so the carpet board could be pulled out.
The only damage was wear marks on the carpet
I would not recommend cutting the carpet panel or the body (door metal work)
I peeled the water shreader off
|
| 4th Jul 2016 1:34 pm |
|
|
Jon D
Member Since: 04 Jul 2016
Location: South East
Posts: 5
|
Thanks a million to you all and anyone who posts after this for your input's and suggestions.
I'll have a shot at this. I don't wan't to cut any trim or panels, i have a bit patient's, it's going to be very awkward knowing the space or little there of that i'v to work with. But none the less this will save us a good few €'s giving were a charity and voluntary org by me doing it.
I will keep you updated. This will be fun.
Big thanks guy's really appreciate it and in such a short time with rapid responses. Fantastic!!
|
| 4th Jul 2016 1:44 pm |
|
|
LurcherTrailRunningAndy
Member Since: 19 Aug 2016
Location: Wimborne
Posts: 3
 
|
Just wanted to say a big thanks to everyone on here who detailed this fix. I bought my first D3 6 weeks ago, having never had a LR before. This is the first problem I have had with it so far! Probably first of many to come?! It went at about 4pm on Saturday- looked it up on here. Followed the how to and comments and instigated a perfect fix first time at no cost at all. When I got inside it, I found it must have snapped in the past and the previous owner had put a 'fix' into the L shaped link at the end of the cable, I refixed it and bobs your uncle. Thanks all.
|
| 9th Oct 2016 6:05 pm |
|
|
Ziba
Member Since: 11 Sep 2012
Location: Herts
Posts: 3
|
I have finally resolved my upper tailgate issues after the following saga.
1. The first time the end of the tailgate cable broke off many years ago I needed a Independent garage to open and replace using their handmade tool to access the release button (before I learnt how to anticipate the problem and before an intermittent problem became a permanent one!)
2. Then a few years later the tailgate switch appeared to be at fault as you had to press it hard in a particular place in order to get the tailgate to open, so I replaced that after purchasing the part off ebay for £20.
3. Then earlier this year the tailgate started playing up again, not always opening when the switch was depressed. Because the fault was intermittent I thought it was the switch, which I proceeded to replace again! The fault persisted sometimes not opening the tailgate catch fully), so I replaced the latch and cable as I thought the latch was sticky and too hard to open. However, this did not solve the problem so I then bought and installed a new actuator which has solved the issue, and the tailgate now opens all the time.
In hindsight, I should have replaced the actuator first as the problem was really insufficient power being sent to the latch, not the switch or the latch which had already been replaced twice. However, my reaction was to replace parts which had previously failed.
If you have an intermittent fault, my advice is to replace the necessary part before the dog and groceries become locked in at the most inconvenient time.
|
| 20th Nov 2016 1:32 pm |
|
|
the admiral
Member Since: 19 Oct 2015
Location: South east ,swale
Posts: 170
|
so the dreaded tailgate failure has happened, anyone give good advise on parts please. does the cable come with the latch or can you get separately. Should I also replace the actuator as well.
symptoms are upper tailgate will not open, can hear the whirring noise when pressing buttons but no mechanical operation so assuming it the cable or actuator. D3 HSE 57 Buckingham Blue
box re-build
new TC
common sense is not common
|
| 22nd Jan 2017 8:22 pm |
|
|
NIDisco3
Member Since: 29 Apr 2005
Location: Derry City
Posts: 610
|
More likely actuator, I had very similar symptoms to you..
Ordered from my local dealer £41 incl VAT
Took 20 min to fit and no issues since 
|
| 22nd Jan 2017 10:16 pm |
|
|
G7jtk
Member Since: 03 Jun 2014
Location: Prudhoe
Posts: 846
|
the admiral wrote:so the dreaded tailgate failure has happened, anyone give good advise on parts please. does the cable come with the latch or can you get separately. Should I also replace the actuator as well.
symptoms are upper tailgate will not open, can hear the whirring noise when pressing buttons but no mechanical operation so assuming it the cable or actuator.
Have you pulled the rubber cover off the upper tailgate button?
You should be able to press the button on the microswitch behind the flap. The flap was covered in dirt and not pressing the button. Cleaned it and refitted everything and has been operating correctly since then.
|
| 22nd Jan 2017 11:10 pm |
|
|
Narpy
Member Since: 18 Jul 2011
Location: Stockport
Posts: 7830
|
Admiral: Your cable end has snapped off. The main symptom is you hear the actuator whirr, but the tailgate doesn't release. Loads of posts regarding fixing this and you won't need to replace the actuator or mess about with switch rubber covers despite previous advice. 
It's awkward to find on the forum as the failure rate is so high but I think this link is what you'll need: http://www.disco3.co.uk/gallery/albums/use...repair.doc Mods:
Front Fogs + Halos
FBH Remote Control
The 1st Ever RRS Modded Grill
Garmin Nuvi + D4 Surround + Reversing Camera.
D4 Steering Wheel.
Rear Boot Spoiler.
Twin Brake Lights.
Wing Mirror Indicator Repeaters.
Long Roof Rails
Make your own Narpy grill thread
I'm not scared, I'm outta here.
|
| 23rd Jan 2017 6:41 am |
|
|
the admiral
Member Since: 19 Oct 2015
Location: South east ,swale
Posts: 170
|
Thanks narpy , do think it's the cable. Looking at parts it comes as one unit with the latch. Just querying it you can just get cable. D3 HSE 57 Buckingham Blue
box re-build
new TC
common sense is not common
|
| 23rd Jan 2017 9:28 am |
|
|
Narpy
Member Since: 18 Jul 2011
Location: Stockport
Posts: 7830
|
I don't think you can but will stand corrected if you can.
Never rule out a repair. if you have an allen key and a clamping method, the cable end is very repairable. I did my own some 4(ish) years ago and it's still going strong.  Mods:
Front Fogs + Halos
FBH Remote Control
The 1st Ever RRS Modded Grill
Garmin Nuvi + D4 Surround + Reversing Camera.
D4 Steering Wheel.
Rear Boot Spoiler.
Twin Brake Lights.
Wing Mirror Indicator Repeaters.
Long Roof Rails
Make your own Narpy grill thread
I'm not scared, I'm outta here.
|
| 23rd Jan 2017 9:36 am |
|
|
