Tailgate Handle Removal

[EFC63]

My tailgate handle is pitted badly so I am trying to fit a new one. The problem is I can't figure out how to get it off. The problem is the lock. I've removed the cotter clip but I can't figure out how to get the lock out. Any ideas?

[EFC63]

I should have said that everything else is removed and it's only the lock that's the problem

[EFC63]

I should have said that everything else is removed and it's only the lock that's the problem

[sparky Paul]

Insert the key and turn 90°, you should then be able to draw the lock barrel out with the key.

[EFC63]

Thanks, Paul, I'll try that and let you know if it works for me

[sparky Paul]

Just re-reading your post, I'm not sure how far you have got - are you trying to remove the barrel from the lock assembly, or just remove the handle casting?

 

If you remove the three screws from the bottom edge of the door, you should be able to remove the solenoid assembly. Then remove the three black torx screws behind that, and the lock assembly, with the lock barrel, should split from the handle - watch out for a rubber seal around the lock barrel inside the handle. The handle can then be removed from the outside of the car by drawing it outwards and upwards slightly.

 

If you then wish to remove the lock barrel from the lock assembly, remove the circlip and use the Insert key and turn 90° procedure I mentioned earlier.

Edited July 19, 2015 by sparky Paul

[EFC63]

It's the handle I'm replacing, not the locking mechanism. I just assumed I had to remove the three screws to get at the inside handle screws. It also seems the lock needs to come out to withdraw the handle. I haven't had time since my original question.

[sparky Paul]

It's the handle I'm replacing, not the locking mechanism. I just assumed I had to remove the three screws to get at the inside handle screws. It also seems the lock needs to come out to withdraw the handle. I haven't had time since my original question.

 

Two of the three torx screws behind the solenoid assembly hold the lock to the handle, through the tailgate. Remove all three, and the the internal lock barrel assembly comes out of the handle, and the external handle comes straight out without the lock barrel. Watch out for the rubber seal I mentioned above.

 

Don't remove the circlip, you only have to remove that to remove the actual lock tumbler from the lock assembly.

Edited July 19, 2015 by sparky Paul

[EFC63]

It's the handle I'm replacing, not the locking mechanism. I just assumed I had to remove the three screws to get at the inside handle screws. It also seems the lock needs to come out to withdraw the handle. I haven't had time since my original question.

[EFC63]

Ah, looks like I just reposted the same thing. Thanks again for your advice. I did take the retaining clip out during my first attempt. Now it's all back as it was I'll start again.

[sparky Paul]

Yes, don't worry about removing the lock from the handle - there are 3 torx screws that hold the handle on, two of them fix the lock into the handle. Once all 3 are undone, the lock and handle part easily.

 

Note that I am not referring to the three screws on the bottom edge of the door. These only hold the solenoid mechanism, which has to be removed first to allow access to the three more screws that hold the handle and lock together.

 

Incidentally, I took my handle off, cleaned it up and sprayed it body colour. Looks very smart!