Estate tailgate don't lock

[bigknickers]

Hi gang...........the tailgate has stopped locking, I've swept the striker hole n all the bottom seal to no effect. The central locking works fine on the other doors, but the tailgate just goes thump when I close it n can be lifted back up again......any ideas?

[jasper5]

Are you sure the fork in the tailgate hasn't clicked over to the locked position?

If that is ok has the catch come loose on the car body?
Check the fork in the tailgate can be closed and locked using a screwdriver or metal rod.

[bigknickers]

Yes, the catch bit is open n works, n the bit in the floorpan isn't loose

[jasper5]

Try adjusting the catch on the floor, bring it higher up.

[GingerMagic]

Also, check the rubber seal all around the edge, it a bit is not quite fitted in proper then the boot is a bugger to shut...
Any debris in the bit that pushes down around the latch?

[bigknickers]

Apologies for the delay....................the locky bit in the tailgate, I can move the 'keep' across with a screwdriver, but it won't click into the locked position, is that correct?

[jasper5]

Apologies for the delay....................the locky bit in the tailgate, I can move the 'keep' across with a screwdriver, but it won't click into the locked position, is that correct?

The catch should lock in place when you move it across with a screwdriver and be able to unlock as you pull the handle. That's why I asked in a previous post.
Try WD40 inside the catch in case the locking part has seized or take the panel of the tailgate and try working the mechanism...something may be stuck.

[bigknickers]

Jasper.....................You're a genius!!.........who would have thought WD would have solved the problem!!!..........I wish I could learn to start with possible simple fixes rather than defaulting straight to the worst case scenario.............many thanks!

[jasper5]

Glad you sorted it I've had that situation so many times over the years!