[Bartom 29]

We have a 2002 CRV all electric locking the tail gate is permanently locked, there is only 1 key access on the drivers door we have tried all the switching many times and spare keys all to no avail has anybody any idears other than wrecking the door inside trim, Honda could not help !! BG

 

[Carbuff2]

This has come up previously on UK CR-Vs of that vintage.

A quick search of youTube found this video, while it doesn't show removal, at ~ 2:10 it DOES show how the inner panel goes on.

There shouldn't be any issue removing the inside trim, it can be withdrawn from the inside with the tailgate shut. You MAY break some of the retaining clips.

 

[Wildcat]

I don't know if the 2nd gen CR-Vs had this, but the first gen had a small access door for the latch mechanism in the tailgate. It was handy since the mechanism got badly corroded and would freeze up, and a few times after getting the door open, it very difficult to keep it closed. Spraying it down with white lithium grease and working it back and forth several dozen times freed it up.

 

[Carbuff2]

First generation Fits suffered from the corrosion / latch too, and it was good practice to keep the handle and latch mechanism lubricated. Never had a corrosion issue with our '06 though.

I lubricate all the keylocks (ignition, drivers door, tailgate) with graphite grease every fall. But as stated, UK CR-Vs do not have a keyhole in the tailgate handle.