Well, wasn't it a lovely day on friday..... just right for taking the tailgate apart. I didn't want to, but as the rear wiper had stopped performiing properly then I felt obligated. Thanks to previous threads and diagrams it was a breeze.... however...when drifting a pin out of a plastic handle assembly it may be worth mentioning that the plastic becomes brittle with age..... you've guessed it I broke the lugs. Damn and blast he said. so having taken the wiper apart and eased the spindle, I put everything back together minus the rear handle. The metal pin/slider that is left is much easier to operate than that ****** handle. Now does anyone know if there is such a thing as a replacement handle or is it a scrap yard job to replace the whole thing. Thanks in advance for your replies......

dig deep and replace it with a new handle. if youre keeping the car ? .or you could keep swapping used ones

definatley agree. My boot handle jammed about one year ago and it was a right swine to replace.

I should have replaced it when it started sticking until waiting...

Boot handle jamming - is that the same as when you go to open the boot - the handle pops up but doesn't release the catches?

Mine's done that a few times and doesn't like to close on the right hand side. Love the design of the tailgate - it's unique - but seems a bit fragile.

It all works, but the only thing that didnt go back was the actual flap !! there is a metal slider unerneath and without the flap its much easier to operate..

I've had my 9 year old weekender a year now, on the day after bringing it home from the garage where I bought it I tried opening the tailgate only to find it the handle jammed, worked ok on test drive!! Had to dismantle from the inside to get it open. The hinge pin , spring assembly were all rusted solid. Removed these (with difficulty - had to use a Dremil with metal cutting disc) and replaced with 2 x galvanised nails ,some grease, no spring.
This has been trouble free since then.

Have accepted the strange electrical problems/noises from the aircon and temp sensor as BAU , not to mention the strange whining and wheezing noises the engine makes, bit like chitty ...................

Rgds

John

I had a similar problem with a sticking handle. i found if I slid the key under the rubber coating I could flick the handle down. I was about to fit a small handle to pull the catch down when someone rear ended me and i got it fixed on the insurance