Author Topic: Tailgate Handle Failure  (Read 903 times)

newjazzy

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Tailgate Handle Failure
« on: June 27, 2020, 04:44:43 PM »
Hi,
With the numerous number of members having problems with the Jazz tailgate handle catch, isn't it about time we all put pressure on Honda to get this fault resolved?
When I first bought my Jazz I found out there was an inherent problem with the first idler shaft in the gearbox and as mine had done over the 60,000 limit I had to fork out £450 for a recon box.
Now I have a 5 door car with only 4 operating doors due to the fact that Honda has not allowed for the mechanism to be serviced or at least acknowledged that this problem is due to a design fault.
When are these people going to put their hands up and acknowledge that they are responsible for all these failures.
I cannot change the handle mechanism on my Jazz as I cannot get the tailgate open to be able to remove the tailgate inner door card to allow for a new handle to be fitted.

 >:( >:( >:( >:(

culzean

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Re: Tailgate Handle Failure
« Reply #1 on: June 27, 2020, 05:32:36 PM »
When does a manufacturers liability end ( normally warranty is 5 years or a certain mileage - whichever is reached first ), does it cover every little problem that happens over life of car ? The 'inherent' problem that you claim is not an inherently flawed design, but actually corrosion between the handle and the bracket that it pivots in ( which stops the release flap returning to its fully spring return home position - you can push the release handle fully forward towards front of car and lock and unlock the car doors to allow mechanism to reengage with release mechanism -then tailgate should open normally ), it is accessible from outside of car ( under the plastic trim piece above number plate ) - a bit of lubrication and moving the handle a few times normally cures it- arguably it is lack of maintenance.  I have never seen a post where the actual mechanism of the tailgate release fails. The newest GD around now is over 12 years old - not many washing machines or microwaves last that long.  If the mechanism has failed you can access the release override lever from inside the car through a small plastic removable bung in inner tailgate trim just below and to left of lock.

The gearbox problem was bad bearings from supplier rather than an inherent design fault with gearbox.  If you want proper gearbox problems get a VAG car - my Brother in laws gearbox on his Golf literally  fell apart inside, due to faulty design.  That cost a lot more than £450 to fix....
« Last Edit: June 27, 2020, 05:46:55 PM by culzean »
Some people will only consider you an expert if they agree with your point of view or advice,  when you give them advice they don't like they consider you an idiot

Jocko

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Re: Tailgate Handle Failure
« Reply #2 on: June 27, 2020, 05:46:02 PM »
Tailgate issue is easily fixed. The first time my stuck I released it as culzean said then with tailgate open I liberally sprayed light oil into the handle. About once a year, I repeat the oiling. After four years, I have never had any further problems.
My gearbox bearing needed replacing too. I took it to a gearbox specialist who replaced all the seals and bearings, in situ, and I got the car back the following day at a total cost (including VAT) of £324. Two and a half years and 25,000 miles later, it is still smooth and quiet.

richardfrost

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Re: Tailgate Handle Failure
« Reply #3 on: July 19, 2020, 07:43:00 PM »
Thanks to @Culzean and @Jocko for the tip here. Our Jazz hatch handle seems to have this same issue but I managed to release it first time using the method of pushing the handle forward whist getting someone to press the unlock button on the driver's door.

culzean

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Re: Tailgate Handle Failure
« Reply #4 on: July 19, 2020, 08:30:54 PM »
Thanks to @Culzean and @Jocko for the tip here. Our Jazz hatch handle seems to have this same issue but I managed to release it first time using the method of pushing the handle forward whist getting someone to press the unlock button on the driver's door.

It is easy-peasy once you know it,  but it is very head scratching if you don't, that little tiny bit of movement you get by pushing the tailgate opening lever fully forward makes all the difference between engaging the mechanism or not, and it canot be done from inside tailgate by taking the rubber bung out and flicking the little lever inside ( I know I tried that first ).   A bit of decent quality lube on lever hinges will last a long time...

Once you have tailgate open if you hinge the tailgate up a bit so that you can see the lever under trim flap it is a lot easier to squirt some lube in...
Some people will only consider you an expert if they agree with your point of view or advice,  when you give them advice they don't like they consider you an idiot

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