Unable to open tailgate

[MMNoisy]

I went to open the tail gate and nothing happening, anything to look for as a typical error ?

[sportie]

You may have pressed the locking button on the passenger side dash near the window buttons. Happened to me once then couldn't then open the passenger door or hatch from the outside.

[MMNoisy]

Interesting, passenger door also would not open. Pressed the lock button but nothing happened. Open passenger door from inside and now opens ok, but tail gate still nothing happens.

[shep1001]

Micro switch on boot iffy?, passanger footwell has as a control box for the passanger door and boot tucked in the hidey hole. Unplug wait 60 secs reconnect. Boot will (should) open as you plug it back in. Check its not got wet also. If you are still locked out PM me and I can explain how to get in

Edited by shep1001 on Thursday 22 January 22:40

[T350 Al]

Could be many things to be honest, but the door ECU is the easiest place to start (as you already have done!). Next thing to check is probably the rubber grommet that sits in the back of the boot release button. This has a tendency to drop off thus stopping contact with the release switch. It could also be the micro switch in the locking mechanism (as mentioned above). You can check it isn't faulty by disconnecting it and shorting out the leads leading back to the ECU, then trying the button. If that doesn't work, next thing to check is the boot release solenoid. Make sure it's working by using a 9v battery or similar to prove it fires properly.

Another possibility could also be a poor earth return to the ECU. TVR use a weird live positive/switched earth system for the boot release.

I've had my boot release apart more times than I can count so know it inside out - more than happy to help!

Good luck!

[MMNoisy]

well I,ve disconnected two plugs and another plug with two pins. This had no effect. How do I get at the release button to check this rubber gromet.

[T350 Al]

It's a pain to get to and involves removing the carpet from the rear bulkhead (where the rear speakers are mounted). Once the carpet is off, there's a small panel in the centre that can be removed and this gives you access to a hole where you can reach through and undo the nuts that hold the badge in place. Some people have this hole as standard, I believe TVR once used it for stowing the toolkit. If you have it, so much the better as it stops you having to remove the carpet. Once you have the badge off, you can see if the rbber grommet is still in place. Hope that all makes sense!

(Note to self: must take more pictures when stripping the car!)