Technical Tailgate closing problem

[Ironwhip]

Hi all,

I found this problem two days ago:

At first, the tailgate could not close by itself, nor could the lock-button on the key close it. I then pushed the tailgate-button on the key for 1 second, and after that I let the tailgate fall down and close. Now it cannot open even when the doors are unlocked by the key remote! The only way to open it is to push the tailgate-button, or to use the physical key. Any one know how to solve the problem?? :worship:

BTW, I have driven my Panda 4x4 1.2 Climbing from the Hague in the Netherlands to Bad Gastein in Austria for this Christmas holidays (over 1000 km one way). On my way out of the Alps it snowed heavily and some of the road surface was frozen. But my 4x4 handled the journey without a problem!

In contrast, I saw a big SUV-styled car had problem pulling out from the parking lot in Bad Gastein, where the ground was covered in snow and ice. I didn't notice the brand of that SUV but obviously it has only front-wheel drive. I saw the guy rev the engine up but the front wheels kept slipping. Luckily, the vehicle pulled itself out of the parking ground very slowly. After he went out, I simply drove my Panda away and I didn't feel any slipping or lack of grip. Love my car!!

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Sounds like remote battery if the electronic handle works but the remote doesn't.

 

[Wee Smurf]

Could be the switch itself. Mine had to be replaced. It kept opening the boot itself and then it changed it's mind and decided not to open it at all...

 

[Ironwhip]

Could be the switch itself. Mine had to be replaced. It kept opening the boot itself and then it changed it's mind and decided not to open it at all...

That's exactly the same symptom my car has. I checked with my dealer today and they are going to change the switch unit, which is the long piece above the number plate. They have to order it because it must be the same color of my car. Costs 190 euros. Luckily, it's covered by my garantee.

 

[joe1962]

There is a well recognised problem with the tailgate switch contact Fiat customer services if your dealer gets no joy for warranty claim look under sites known faults issues.

 

[zulu705]

So is the tailgate supposed to be able to be opened by just using the handle on the tailgate (assuming the doors are unlocked)? if so then mine has this fault too as I always have to use the button on the keyfob to open the boot, which I did think was annoying, but not having had it long thought that was just what it did.

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

The misbehaving tailgate handle is a very common problem, caused by dirt and or water getting into the switch. The only reliable cure is replacement. It is a fairly easy DIY job -- if you fancy a go, see the 'How to' guide here: https://www.fiatforum.com/panda-guides/229226-how-remove-replace-electric-tailgate-handle.html

Pete

 

[zulu705]

Thanks for that. It wasn't misbehaving as such I just didn't realise it was supposed to work from the handle on the boot at all

I have just done the 'heater control light not working guide' sucessfully so I'll have a go at this one too

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

So is the tailgate supposed to be able to be opened by just using the handle on the tailgate (assuming the doors are unlocked)? if so then mine has this fault too as I always have to use the button on the keyfob to open the boot, which I did think was annoying, but not having had it long thought that was just what it did.

Depends also upon the settings in the cars menu if you've got the multi configurable instrument cluster

 

[zulu705]

Whats a 'multi configurable instrument cluster' ? though I'm guessing if I don't know I don't have it.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

It's basically the cluster that allows two trips and has an interactive menu. Is fitted to all Eleganza & Dualogic spec Pandas and Dynamics where it was specified as an option.

 

[zulu705]

Not got that then, got a basic 2005 4x4. Will have a look at the boot handle at the weekend once its not wet and muddy. Thanks.