Tailgate Problem

[Guest Reaper]

My '97 Galaxy 2.8i Ghia V6 went in for head gasket job last month. Since it's been back the tailgate (which used to function normally) will only open when you unlock the car and not after driving the car. E.G. you go out in the morning, unlock central locking and you can open all doors including tailgate. Get in car, drive any distance ( or just run engine for a few seconds) switch off and walk to the back, tailgate won't open till you turn the lock away and back to central lock position. Is this a freak problem or does someone know how to correct this??

Many thx in advance

[Guest MATT jr]

i think 1 of two problems...

 

1) the door switch - that operates the internal curtesy light, is broken on the drivers door - i think these switches are DPDT - and so even tho ur curtesy light comes on - it might not be unlocking the tailgate. (the tail gate locks itself under certain conditions, ie, when driver is in car - and starts engine)

 

2) - wires between the tailgate and the car body are damaged - but i think this is less likely.

 

Q - does the curtesy light come on when u open the drivers door?

 

if not - replace the switch, if it does, test the switch (hope someone can confirm the DPDT bit)

 

MJR

[Guest Reaper]

Many thanks. Think the switch is the most likely as I've just noticed the curtesy light doesn't work either (hadn't noticed before)

[NikpV]

it should unlock after a delay about 30secs IIRC, if you open the passenger door you should be able to open the tailgate straight away, this would confirm its just the switch

[Guest MATT jr]

i have just had a little play with our galaxy - and the passenger door should also unlock the tailgate when opened.

 

MJR