Hi Guys `n` Gals, I just bought a 2009 Ve International sports-wagon a few days ago - I knew at the time there was an issue with the tailgate, it wouldn't open..ha
Anyway today , Sat 20th... I decided to look at it, I had already done some research thru the forum and youtube so had an idea there might be some expense in rectifying the problem. First I removed the tailgate trim, then the chrome strip with the touch pad and harness.The number plate lenses can be easily flicked out with your fingernail - or a small screwdriver if you`re worried about chipping your fingernail polish..lol..
Once that part was on the table I removed the rubber switch cover and cleaned the contact area. Reassembled it and before refitting the chrome trim etc I plugged the harness together first and found it still wasn`t working.
Cup of coffee and a biscuit later I decide to take out the touch pad again.
PLZ NOTE - YOU CAN DO ALL OF THE FOLLOWING WITHOUT REMOVING THE T/GATE TRIM OR THE CHROME STRIP
LIFT THE TAILGATE, GENTLY PRY OFF THE RUBBER COVER THEN AGAIN GENTLY PRY OUT THE TOUCH / SWITCH...
IT JUST CLIPS OUT.. IT WILL NOW HANG BY TWO THIN WIRES.. i WANTED TO ASCERTAIN IF IT WAS THE TOUCHPAD
OR THE `ACTUATOR` LOCKING MECHANISM DOWN ON THE FLOOR AT FAULT BEFORE I BOUGHT ANY PARTS SO I STARTED
TO STRIP AWAY THE WIRE INSULATION WITH THE INTENTION OF BRIDGING THE TWO WIRES MOMENTARILY TO SEE IF THE
LOCK ACTIVATED.
THAT'S WHEN I NOTICED THE AREA ROUND THE MEMBRANE WAS PRETTY CORRODED AND RUSTY LOOKING --
PLUS ONE OF THE WIRES WAS BROKEN AT THE SOLDER POINT
I PLUGGED THE HARNESS BACK IN AGAIN AND FLICKED THE WIRES TOGETHER . CLACK - ALL GOOD -
TOMORROW I`LL RE-SOLDER THE WIRES AND TEST THE SWITCH.. IF ITS STILL U/S.... LIKE JVSKIWI I`LL BE TAKING THAT TRIP TO JAYCAR.
APOLOGIES FOR THE CAPS, MY KEYBOARD SEEMS TO BE UPSET ABOUT HAVING WINE SPILLED ON IT...... HA.
SUN 21ST......My attempts to solder the wire back were futile as the switch was pretty well corroded and to difficult to work with. A quick trip to Jaycar, 30 mins later up and running again. Thanks JVSKIWI......