Forester SH tailgate problem solved

[Brack]

I've always had to slam the tailgate door down hard for the latch to catch closed -  found the weatherstrip that runs along the bottom was not seated properly a while ago but even after putting that right it wasn't much better.

A crack even started to appear in the plastic bumper cover under the o/s tail light with all the slamming down.

Found that when I open the tailgate - if I hold the release button in for longer (3 to 5 seconds) it closes much better with a lot less force.

Hope this helps anyone with the same problem - just have to fix the crack now 🙂       

 

 

[Brack]

Even better .. I Press the tailgate release button twice now (once for partial and again for full release) makes latching closed very easy compared to before.

Cheers

    

[Brack]

Tailgate switch failed completely in the end, took off the tailgate exterior garnish panel, bought a new switch, checked it for continuity and soldered it in but still no joy, tried a different lock / actuator from the breakers - still nothing, even after trying a different garnish panel.

Took the car to Mark my local mechanic who fitted a solenoid at the lock and a remote control unit in the engine bay - I now have an extra fob to open the tailgate which works 100% probably saving me a fortune at an auto  electricians 🙂

  

[Mr B]

Sometimes it the wiring broken at transition flex point to the boot lid .
Can't beat the old mechanical handle, mine 25 years old and works same as when come out of factory .
The sensor switch boot releases are complete garbage, nothing but hassle and expense, lot of models get water ingress into the switch board (big problems on multi function module/boards that canbus integrated).
On some model cars where this incorporates into reverse camera & perhaps even rear wiper all in one the problems caused and cost to resolve gets silly.
when linked into canbus networks can completely disable the vehicle and it needs flatbed recovery.
Very rare I get to do a diag/repair bill under £300 for resolving this electronic garbage faults, 400 to £800 don't go far sorting this p155 poor engineering concept & low cost component choice of the vehicle manufacturers .
No make regardless of prestige/price are exempt from this ...
Basically the newer you go the worse it getting in terms of reliability and cost to repair faults .
New cars environmental benefits would seem be none judging by the parts bins and service chemical consumption increase I getting .
Since Hybrids I do Battery recycling by the pallet monthly through winter, pretty much 3 times the Battery waste I got pre Hybrid .
Cleaner numbers out tailpipe but everywhere else it much worse !

[Brack]

Thanks Mr B, yes I checked for broken wires at the tailgate exit to body but didnt see anything obvious unless broken inside the cable insulation. Did find some green in the loom so water has got in somehow. I thought about trying a different tailgate loom but where do you stop paying money with no results.

Anyway Im happy with the set up that I have now - Mark attached a wire cable to open manually from  inside the tailgate door, each end screwed into a block connector so that I can grip and slide it to open.

Contacted my insurance to inform them as it is a wired in modification - they are fine with it. 

Had this Forester for 6 years now, it has been so reliable with no problems apart from wear and tear parts and the tailgate.

My next Subaru will be an 05 or earlier I think, taking advice from your previous posts. Although this one seems to go on forever 🙂