I need to replace the tailgate release switch on my Mk2 Focus Estate as the existing one has failed. The boot still opens from the remote key, so I know it's just the switch itself that's not working rather than the whole locking mechanism and I have acquired the part.

The trouble is that it's not accessible from inside the tailgate, and judging by the type of clips on the new part, the old one will need to be manipulated from behind to remove it from the handle - there certainly isn't room to get a small screwdriver or similar implement into between the edge of the unit and the handle to wedge it out; so I need to get the entire handle assembly off.

There are two bolts visible inside the tailgate which I assume are holding the handle on, but having removed them it seems that the handle is stuck down. Is this just an age-worn rubber-type gasket or an adhesive part that needs to be replaced? I have read that the switches often fail due to water ingress, so I'm keen to make a proper job of replacing it to make sure that the new one doesn't go the same way too quickly.

I'm sure @StephenFord will be able to offer advice, I'm sure he's changed his at least once.

The use of an old credit card can often be used to push back the plastic clips from the outside.

54 minutes ago, unofix said:

I'm sure @StephenFord will be able to offer advice, I'm sure he's changed his at least once.

 

Twice now LOL You need to remove the full tailgate trim to gain access, it's a pain, just use a proper 'trim removal' tool (it's a bit of stiff plastic'), and there are a couple of bolts to remove (may be 10mm from memory?). Once that trim is off, you'll be able to access the handle no problem. If you have bought a cheap replacement on Ebay, do yourself a favour and give the inside seal a god coating of clear silicon, as that where the water gets in to screw up the handle!

The following couple of threads may help...

 

@StephenFordThanks for that. My main question was what's between the handle and the boot? Is it a rubber seal or adhesive? Once the two bolts are off the handle is still held quite firmly in place, I don't want to pull off the handle without knowing if I will need to buy anything new to it when putting it back on. 

2 minutes ago, troublefocussing said:

@StephenFordThanks for that. My main question was what's between the handle and the boot? Is it a rubber seal or adhesive?

Nothing, it's just a push fit, and the rubber around the handle creates the seal, there is nothing else you'll need to buy. Though I stand by my advice of sealing the rubber around the handle with your own sealant, it's obviously a weakness of these that water creeps inside the handle and destroys it. (even the original 'Ford' one as it fails too, eventually!)

Mk3 switch can be done from outside the car. Old credit card (or two ) and a medium flat blade screwdriver

I'd be surprised if the mark 2 is very different, but it might be.

There is a YouTube video which will go through the whole process which will take you pretty much half a day to do from start to finish. I'm wondering if you ask Ford for a quote to do the job how many hours labour they would charge you. That will give you a clue as to whether it can be done from outside the car if they whole of the interior tailgate trim has to be removed and replaced.

1 minute ago, alanfp said:

...That will give you a clue as to whether it can be done from outside the car if they whole of the interior tailgate trim has to be removed and replaced.

Garage took 15 minutes from start to finish... (removing inside tailgate trim)

Ah - they're quicker than me!  Probably got the correct tools too. 😂

Thanks agan, @StephenFord, I have now managed it. 

There is actually a third bolt in there which I hadn't spotted originally, hidden behind the wiper motor and the same distance from the right-hand bolt as the hole for the wiring is from the left-hand bolt. Maybe this is unique to the estate version. 

So, it's a good job I didn't just keep tugging at it previously because I might have broken the handle assembly! For anyone else with a Mk2 estate, while you need an extended driver for the sockets on the outer bolts, you can only do the third bolt with a normal 10mm spanner, and there is so little access space that you need to make a small turn then use the spanner the other way around to make the next small turn and so on. Slow and repetitive, but simple enough. 

Yep, I did get a cheapie from eBay, but the car itself was an eBay cheapie at £920 a year ago. Bodywork has some battle scars, but it goes fine.

On 9/29/2022 at 1:11 AM, StephenFord said:

Twice now LOL You need to remove the full tailgate trim to gain access, it's a pain, just use a proper 'trim removal' tool (it's a bit of stiff plastic'), and there are a couple of bolts to remove (may be 10mm from memory?). Once that trim is off, you'll be able to access the handle no problem. If you have bought a cheap replacement on eBay, do yourself a favour and give the inside seal a god coating of clear silicon, as that where the water gets in to screw up the handle!

The following couple of threads may help...

 

 

On 9/29/2022 at 1:26 AM, troublefocussing said:

@StephenFordThanks for that. My main question was what's between the handle and the boot? Is it a rubber seal or adhesive? Once the two bolts are off the handle is still held quite firmly in place, I don't want to pull off the handle without knowing if I will need to buy anything new to it when putting it back on. 

 

On 9/29/2022 at 1:31 AM, StephenFord said:

Nothing, it's just a push fit, and the rubber around the handle creates the seal, there is nothing else you'll need to buy. Though I stand by my advice of sealing the rubber around the handle with your own sealant, it's obviously a weakness of these that water creeps inside the handle and destroys it. (even the original 'Ford' one as it fails too, eventually!)

 

On 9/29/2022 at 1:11 AM, StephenFord said:

Twice now LOL You need to remove the full tailgate trim to gain access, it's a pain, just use a proper 'trim removal' tool (it's a bit of stiff plastic'), and there are a couple of bolts to remove (may be 10mm from memory?). Once that trim is off, you'll be able to access the handle no problem. If you have bought a cheap replacement on eBay, do yourself a favour and give the inside seal a god coating of clear silicon, as that where the water gets in to screw up the handle!

The following couple of threads may help...

 

This topic is very useful it will help me out greatly 

thank you