How to remove and replace electric tailgate handle

A nice repair is so much more satisfying, so I was a bit sad when it looked like I was going to have to fork out for a new tailgate handle assembly.

HOWEVER! I've just attempted a bodge/repair/modification which I'm rather proud of.

I removed the micro-switch from between its plastic mounts (requires breaking the plastic welds), cleaned it up, tested it, and refitted it ROTATED 90°, so that the micro-switch is triggered by a PUSH on the handle, rather than a pull.

I used Gorilla Glue, which as it dries turns into an expanding foam type thing. It's very tough indeed. It doesn't set quickly, so you have plenty of time to finely adjust the switch, and figure out a way of holding it in exactly the right position. Be careful not to use too much - you don't want to bung up the micro-switch! It's probably the most secure item on the car now...

True, it's a bit odd having to push the handle first, then pull open the tailgate as normal, but it doesn't bother me. I like to think that I've added a 'feature'.

Only time will tell if my bodge lasts...

Ok, my previous bodge worked well for a few months. Time to try and fix it again, whilst avoiding paying the crazy amount for a whole new boot handle assembly.

I've sourced this:
forum won't let me paste link to amazon

Just go to amazon (uk) and search for Push Button Waterproof IP67 Microswitch SPDT by Switch Electronics, sold and dispatched by LED-Essential.

It's a direct replacement for the troublesome switch, £4.99! Hallelujah!

Great guide, my 2005 Panda's handle was acting up as well.
When I used my rear wiper before driving off, the tailgate unlocked.
Plus the grip itself was stuck in the "pulled" position.

So I took my toolbox to a local salvage yard that has a couple of Panda's with total front end damage.
While I was there I got a single din radio panel (for my mother's Panda, her blaupunkt was malfunctioning).
It took me less than half an hour, and only paid 35 euro's for both parts.

shinyjim

Unfortunately, my search on amazon doesn't find the switch. The closest I've found is Ref Code: 123011 on switchelectronics.co.uk.

Did the switch you ordered have 2 or 3 wires?

Amazon item no B00TXNWPSU. Search for that....

Review doesnt look very positive, it says it doesnt fit Panda!

Anyone find a good option for the switch?

Ordered one of those B00TXNWPSU, and it didn't work! It was worth a try.

Original switch says Burgess p600 or something but I can't find anything suitable. Seems to be a V4NCS switch but again nothing look right.

Didnt work to as a boot switch or didnt work at all?

Frustrating how finding a scrapped panda seems to be the solution here!

Didn't work as the boot switch. It is physically bigger and even trying to adapt the way it needed to be mounted in the trim still meant it didn't do the job.

I did take the easy option but maybe this will help someone who wants to try (at your own risk!) and to go a bit further.

The first picture shows the physical difference between the Amazon type switch and the original. The Amazon switch has three wires but it seems to be the blue and black wires which operate the switch as it would in the car.

The second picture shows the Amazon switch as it would be in the same orientation as the original. I did try to trim some of the handle plastic to try and get the switch to work as per the original but I couldn't get the switch to 'click' with just the normal handle movement.

The last two picture show the switch rotated 90 degrees. It may be possible with some more plastic trimming and a very strong glue that the switch may work.

As I said I haven't tried this yet, with now having a spare handle I might see what happens. But why should something that is so simple be so annoying!?

Had the same problem on Panda Mk3 2013, microswitch version. Cleaned everything.
While the tailgate is up and open, it works fine.
While the tailgate is down or closed, the switch is still pressed on by the plastic handle (probably slightly deformed with time/repeated use)
You may try to depress it by pulling the handle right in the middle with your fingernail; you will feel a click from the switch an it will certainly work when you press it as usual right after.

But it's way easier to push (press) the plastic covering the handle right in the middle, on the letter "N" from "PANDA"
Then you press the handle as usual and it always works!

For the 500 models, that's another cause, easy to fix:
No need to change the handle, it's quite expensive.

As a budget option I just used used a bog standard (waterproof) switch with a hole drilled in the space opposite the key hole. seems to have been reliable for the 2 weeks it's been fitted, looks neat enough against my plain black plastic trim and at 24p just about within my budget.

Also my handle seems to have very little movement (it was non functional when I bought the car, and no amount of cleaning and wd 40 has improved it) so I wasn't confident I could get a replacement microswitch to work reliably anyway.

Just trying to get mine sorted (Panda 169). The switch works but the handle is not moving properly. Push one way - click. Push the other way - click but it's not springing back to neutral (no click).

Does anyone know how to remove the moving handle for cleaning behind?