Rear Hatch door lock mechanism

[JR Watchet]

Hi,  Mk1 Petrol back door closes, mechanism rotates around locating in but does not stay latched.  Dopor handle operates motor/solenoid and "closed" switch works - holding door in will allow alarm to be set etc.  Can manually operate lock with steel rod to close latch but will not stay latched.

Guess a mechanical failure within the lock mechanism rather than wiring as everything else works - remote key operates mechanism as well. (Have yet to check inside gaiter but rear door rarely used since new in 2001!)

Two issues.  1) Does anyone have both wiring drawing and exploded view of mechanism before I dismantle it (have engineering workshop so should be able to make any parts needed as HATE buying bits even from local scrapyard) and 2) VCan not find anywhere the method to remove the rtailgate interior card to get at the lock.

Guidance please!

Thanks

[brianh]

Before you do anything with it, try pulling the fuse or disconnecting the battery. If it then locks as it should, I'd expect your problem is broken wires in the gaiter shorting together. I'm fairly sure I had problems with my MK1 like what you describe, and when I looked at it, was greeted by a hideous mess of broken wires and someone elses bodgery. In fact if you haven't checked it recently, your likely to find it anyway.

Depending what breaks and touches, depends on the result you then get. Backlights on the dashboard coming on with the brakes is just one of the ways I've seen it fail.

From memory the inner part of the rear door comes off fairly easily, Microcat shows 4 screws, 2 hidden under the upper trim and 2 more further down, one on each side, see attached image.

[brianh]

Thats assuming you really have a mk1 of course, not a mk2. See attached for that one. Simpler there, its mostly 2 screws that hold it in place, number 17 on the attached. Same applies about the wires though. If yours is a 2001 it should be a mk2 (Intergrated indicators being easiest way to tell, rather than a seperate unit screwed to the outer side of the headlamp)

[JR Watchet]

Many thanks,

popped down to my local scrapyard today (all on my own for distancing!) as i have a key.  There is one galaxy but back door was shut and no key, so an interesting exercise dismantling (wrecking!) the tailgate liner to release the lock.

Then checked that one latched without battery unlike one on my car, so whipped it off and used your drawing and what I found by destroying the scrap one to fit lock on my car and works perfectly!

Great to have a friendly local scrapyard that lets you plunder at will!

Thanks
John