I have a 2005 LR3. Today the tailgate failed to open when the rest of the car was unlocked. The gate "clicks" when the locks are released, but the actual operation of lifting the tailgate does not work. My assumption is the release is jammed/disconnected rather than it being a lock problem.
Any ideas how to get around this? Is there a manual method of opening (similar to the lever/pull inside the trunk of most cars)?

 

If you are still in warranty, I would get it into a shop, that lock actuator is a little expensive and better delt with by the dealer.
If you are not in warranty, not being familiar with the inside lock buttons, if you have one, I would crawl into the cargo area and unlock it by hand until you can get it replaced.

 

Have booked it into the dealer (told there was a two week wait, but got it down to Wednesday). Have searched for emergency manual unlocking from inside, but interestingly appears there is none. Not sure how the dealer will open it to fix the problem. Thanks for the reply.

 

With the ultimate Rover, a BIG hammer.

 

I have the same tailgate stuck issue. I can hear the usual noise when I press the tailgate release button but it will not open.

Does anyone know how to get it open from the inside? How does one know how to get inside the plastic pieces from the inside?

The dealer told me it would be at least $300 to fix it.

 

I had this same issue where I could here some movement but it would not unlock/open On my 99 D2. if youremove the rear speakerunityou can access the lock/open mechanism ( sorry don't know the official name). In my case a small platic connector that connects the rod to the mechanism had brooken I found onesimilar at auto zone. It has been a while but I think a small wrap of tape was added for extra security. hope this helps

 

Where is the lock in the cargo area? I have been back there, but I am not sure what to look. Thank you.