VY Wagon - how to manually open Tailgate when actuator is broken

[redders1966]

Hi Guys. Cant seem to find the answer anywhere. The actuator is obviously dead in mine as was "groaning" for quite a while. No problems, just get a new one and install right? Well thats what I thought, and as I crawled into the back of the wagon, screwdriver in hand, ready to pop the little opening and manually turn the actuator to open the tailgate (like I did back in the day with my old VE) - imagine my surprise when there is NO opening to be able to do this like there was on the VE.

So my question is, has anyone on here ever had to manually open their VY tailgate before, and if so how did you manage to do so? I assume I am going to have to take the trim off the tailgate but as it closed I'm worried that there will be parts attached where its closed so it will be a waste of my time.

 

[rambunctious]

I used the key in the lock

 

[krusing]

Carefully remove the plastic rivets,
Pull the trim away from the tail gate enough to get your hand in there,
and see if you can move the latch leaver to open unlock the latch.