Honda Jazz 2004 - I can't unlock the tailgate

[iSolder]

Honda Jazz 2004 - I can't unlock the tailgate.

The release handle is completely free and operating the Bowden cable.
The solenoid is working and kicks the small white plastic piece with a hole in its end.
However, no matter what I poke, pull or push, I can't get the tailgate to release.
The small, white, plastic part at the bottom of the image was lying below the lock actuator. I assume that it's fallen off somewhere but i can't find a photo or diagram to show where it belongs.

Any help appreciated, thanks.

[aphybrid]

has the loose bit broken off "small white plastic piece with a hole in its end." and possible the hook part of
 it moves the brass coloured part angle to left.

Just guessing

[iSolder]

I can't tell. It's awkward to get a hand inside to position it. I can't figure out exactly how it fits. That's why I'd appreciate a photo or sketch.

Even so, I'd have thought that it would be possible to unlock it without the need for the loose plastic part.

[Lord Voltermore]

There are quite a few listings on Ebay, amazon and auto doc  for a replacement mechanism.  Which suggests they quite often need replacing     .  I was hoping to get some clue  from the photos  of what might be wrong  but no luck.  It might make more sense to you  . 
 

[iSolder]

Yes, several eBay listings came up in my searches but none of the photos were useful. And most of the solutions involved WD-40, which isn't going to fix my broken lock. I was hoping that I could simply slot the plastic part back into place but, although I have a brain the size of a planet (and I'm modest, too), I can't figure out this puzzle!

[Lord Voltermore]

Have you seen this youtube video?    At the beginning it gives some clues  about how to unlatch the catch and he mentioned that a part appeared to be missing on this car that  may  be the same as whats missing on yours.    I havnt watched the whole video to see if it helps any further.

[iSolder]

Excellent, that's what I need!

It's dark here now so I'll take a look in the morning.

Many thanks for your help. I'll post here again when I have something to report.

[iSolder]

I've managed to fit the plastic part back into place. How it ever fell out is a mystery because it has a kind of bayonet fitting that locks it into the hole in the metal lever and this end must be fitted first.

Unfortunately, when the solenoid kicks it into the unlocked position, it doesn't move quite far enough. There's a spring toggle mechanism that is supposed to flip between lock and unlock but it sticks part way and doesn't quite reach the unlock position. I've oiled everything, by the way and the door handle and cable are free to move.

Anyway, I can now unlock the hatch from inside and I think that I'll end up fitting a new mechanism. I think that each part has worn slightly and, with all the slop added together, it means that it doesn't move far enough.

[iSolder]

Ha ha, I had an idea!
I slapped a powerful magnet onto the metal plate. This attracts the lever and causes it to snap into the "unlock" position. Problem solved!

Thank you again for your help!
I hope this solution helps someone else. It's a neodimium magnet about 25 x 25mm.

[fashionphotography]

what on earth happened to the trim !!!

[iSolder]

>what on earth happened to the trim !!!

Is that a question?

Dremel is a useful tool. It's a 20-year-old car and the outside has been heavily customised by my beloved wife. I don't give a sh;t about the appearance as long as it's mechanically sound. I stuck the cut out piece back in place with Blu-TackŪ so it will be easy to remove in the future.

[Lord Voltermore]

Aw shucks. Thats the advantage of a 20 year old car.   Old enough for a pragmatic approach to problems , not so old originality becomes a factor. Cars that go through that phase are often the ones that go on to become classics

Nothing compared to what breakers yards do to cars in Greece.  Cut them in half at the B post.  Presumably it saves tax/import restrictions.

Here is the 1931 Austin 7 I once owned.  First picture from when it was about 24 years old , a Students runabout.  (Not me. I hadnt even started school) Second picture  taken at Silverstone when it was about 70 years old.

[iSolder]

Ooh, nice restoration!
My student car was an Austin A40 Farina. I restored it but not as you might imagine!
http://www.glodark.com/car.htm