Can you possibly remove some tailgate trim from the inside to get to the mechanism ?!

 

Before you disassemble the tailgate, see if the key will unlock it and make the handle functional.

If so, buy an actuator for the automatic lock.

 

Thanks @canyon, removing the trim means I've discovered the door isn't unlocking - nothing wrong with the handle.

@Carbuff2 - there isn't a keyhole on the tailgate! Looks like I need a new actuator as you say though - I can hear it attempting to operate when locking/unlocking but it's very weak.

 

Anyone got a part number for the tailgate actuator?

 

On my '06 the keyhole is in the 'stationary', LH part of the tailgate handle. Didn't know that '02s lacked that feature, sorry. Look at #10

Parts diagrams are at any of several online Honda dealers. Bernardi.com, hondapartsdeals.com, hondapartscheap.com.
http://tinyurl.com/jgonpfp

 

@Carbuff2 - actually I think you've come across this before (see link 1) I'm in the UK, as is my Honda, which I think is why my tailgate doesn't have a keyhole.

As I understand it, the connector to the actuator with 2 pins is responsible for master lock/unlock signals. The other connector with 3 pins is responsible for generating a lock/unlock signal if a key is used. My broken actuator (it's definitely knackered, I removed it completely and tested it) has pins for both, so I'm guessing the part was just reused despite the lack of a keyhole (perhaps higher spec'd CR-Vs had keyholes).

I can't find the exact same actuator for much less than the equivalent of about $100, but if I go with one without the 3-pin connector it's about $10 off of Ebay. Though I am a little concerned by this post (see link 2), since it claims the 3-pin connector needs to be "live" :/ In my tests the actuator operates fine with just the 2-pin connected.

Link 1: /forums/14-problems-issues/20451-tailgate-lock-dying-uk-version-no-key-locking-option.html
Link 2: /forums/14-problems-issues/20451-tailgate-lock-dying-uk-version-no-key-locking-option-2.html#post129577

Sorry not allowed to post actual links yet so you'll have to paste.

 

actually I think you've come across this before (see link 1)

Haa Haa. Yes, We tend to forget a lot when you try and help so many folks over the years. Also, the Location field in your Profile (or something similar in a Signature) helps too! (Although, if you had said 'knackered' earlier I would have suspected which side of the pond you resided on!)

 

Thanks Carbuff2, location updated! Will report back how I get on with the replacement part - fingers crossed.