The tailgate on my 98 D1 locks itself and doesn't unlock electrically, although you can see the tab jump up when you try the unlock button, so I have to use the key to manually unlock it.

I just finished reading a PDF about putting a new spring on the tailgate latch (video on it at ) and watching another youtube video on replacing the same spring in a rear door by X8R Ltd., the folks who sell a set of 5 springs on eBay for $18. It looks like a real PITA - especially the tailgate latch where you have to disassemble the whole latch assembly just to see if a broken spring is the problem. The little round springs apparently are there to act as a toggle to hold the mechanism in either locked or unlocked position, but the videos don't show how this works.

It looks like the cure is almost worse than the problem, although having to use the key each time to unlock the tailgate is a PITA itself. Has anyone replaced this spring and taken better photos of the process?

 

That video started good.. and ended early. It would be my luck that the spring would break again, or I would start some new problem by taking it apart and putting it back together. I think I'll stick with my plan of putting a spring around the locking tab.

 

Well, I'm back to this post 7 years later and I think I'll fix it properly, if I can locate a spring...

 

I simply replaced the mechanism with new, since they are still available. The little round spring is delicate and unusual.

Hopefully you scratch that seven year itch

 

Can you tell me where you got one from new?
I've looked and can't seem to find it. I may just swap out new on mine if I can find one.
Thanks

 

I ordered the spring on ebay, if anyone goes that route: https://www.ebay.com/itm/321636847127

 

I found this video as well:

 

^ The guy in the above video recommends replacing the spring, rather than buying an aftermarket replacement lock. Part 2:

 

AB (aka RoverParts.com) has them. I searched Door Latch when shopping for D1 parts. I didn't check Lucky8 or AutohausAZ or BPUtah. Those are my go to parts stores. This is the kind of part I wouldn't hesitate to get from ebay once I find the part number. Sometimes AB sells their stuff on ebay for less.