How do I replace tailgate handle on freelander

You might try spraying inside of the latch with some contact cleaner. The latch contains the micro-swtich that signals the control module that the latch is made. It sounds like you are not getting a good contact at this switch. If cleaning doesn't work, you might need to have the latch changed.

This video should solve it. If the window is not dropping enough see the video at about time 4:10 where a problem causing this can be seen followed by a solution. https://youtu.be/xLQOzLaq5mw

my r reg freelander tailgate will not open at all can you open it from in side ??

To Replace a Tailgate: Tools needed for the replacement:- Star shaped sockets- Flathead Screwdriver- Long Nose Pliers- Shop Light- Dremel w/ disc cutter for plastics, Remove the 2 outer long star shaped screws: Close Tailgate and pull down and out the handle bezel. The bezel itself its being held by 2 plastic anchors. To remove the handle from the tailgate we need to open it. Pull the linkage from both sides inward and the tailgate should open. Remove the 3 large star shaped screws-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tacho Pro 2008

first with the door closed you can still get to the nuts that hold the tailgate switch/handle remove the cover from the inside there is 8 clips also 4 screws on rhs of door!.once you have the complete tailgate cluster off remove the 2 screws and 2 springs holding the handle microswitch,then use a small screw driver or something small to push the metal locating pin of the handswitch then use some spray greece or WD40 on the microswitch which is probable just stuck in,try get it switching by push it manually a few times this should fix the problem!.that is asuming that the actual door lock is still working fine!.hope this helps!.Good luck!.

REMOVE TAIL GATE HANDLE YOU USE A TRIM TOOL OR FLAT SCREW DRIVER PRY OFF THE HANDLE ESCUTCHEON DOWN AND AWAY FROM THE TAILGATE IF SCREW DRIVER IS USED COVER THE TIP WITH ELECRICAL TAPE TO PREVENT DAMAGING PAINT SURFACE.FROM THE BED SIDE OF THE TAILGATE REMOVE THE HANDLE MOUNTING BOLTS.ROTATE THE PLASTIC RETAINING CLIPS OFF THE CONTROL RODS AND DETACH THE RODS FROM THE HANDLE. REMOVE THE BOLTS AND WITHDRAW THE LATCH FROM THE END OF THE TAILGATE.PUT EVERY THING BACK VISA VERSA.

This video should solve it. If the window is not dropping enough see the video at about time 4:10 where a problem causing this can be seen followed by a solution. https://youtu.be/xLQOzLaq5mw

Mine just did the exact same thing. The latch may be moving freely because it is not hooked to the latching mechanism anymore. In my case, the handle had broken where the handle hooks to the rod that operates the mechanism. Go to the Ford dealer and buy a new handle. Here in S.C. it was $24. You can't get this at the parts houses. Start by removing the plastic "Ford" cover that is over the liscense plate lights. You then have to remove the aluminum rivets that hold the handle to the tailgate from the outside and remove the broken latch. Remove the pull handle loop on the interior side of the tailgate (2 screws), unsnap the inside plastic tailgate interior panel, and pull down the black plastic sheeting that is underneath the panel to make access to the mechanism inside of the tailgate. There is also a hard plastic cover that you will see that needs to be pulled loose to open another access hole. Install the new tailgate latch handle by sliding back into the mounting holes and attach with two 10-32 screws and nuts. The new handle will come with a new yellow rod attachment piece on the handle. You will see inside of the tailgate a small rod hanging down, most likeky it will have the same rod attachment piece as the one on the new handle. Note the position of the yellow piece on the rod, as you will connect the new piece in the same place. Once the rod is hooked up, relubricate the metal mechanism with a light machine oil, replace the black plastic cover, replace the black plastic sheeting, (secure with a small amount of duct tape), replace the tailgate interior panel, replace the pull handle loop, shut tailgate, replace "Ford" cover over lights, and you're done!

I just finished replacing mine. It took about an hour. Here's my step by step.
1. take off the two outside bolts on the inside of the tailgate behind the handle.
2. Now gently pull off the cladding around the latch. It is still held on by two christmas tree style holders.
3. Tie some long ropes to each of the two rods that the handle pulls together. You don't want them getting away from you.
4. Now free the rods from the plastic clamps. This is the point of no return. Mine would not go back together. A small screw driver shoved in from the end along the seam will pop them easily.
5. Now remove the remaining 3 T40 bolts on the back of the tailgate.
6. The handle assembly is now free to come out. Hold on to it as you lift the tailgate back up. Don't shut the tailgate all the way.
7. Work the old handle out. I did not take any of the cladding off. It took about five minutes of gentle manipulations to get it out. I did have to pull on the metal tongue that comes up right in front of it.
8. Pop the replacement plastic clamps into their corrent places in the new handle. Hinge side down. Don't fasten them.
9. Put the new handle in the same way you took the old one out.
10. Attach with the 3 T40 bolts. Dont fully tighten, just snug. I would recommend some blue loctite as well.
11. Now shut the tailgate so that it latches. Place the pull rods in the plastic clamps and fasten them. Don't pull on the rods, just put them in the clamps.
12. Your door should work now. Try it a couple of times. Pull on both sides of the tailgate to make sure each is held tight. If so, tighten up all the bolts, put the cladding on, and your done.
13. If your door won't latch, the rods are being pulled together too much. Undue the plastic clamps, push the rods apart and reset them in the clamps.