Tailgate Won't Latch

[Frankenstrat]

This morning my tailgate failed to latch properly, the MDI display showed me that it wasn't closed. I'd only drive a few hundred metres, so I stopped the car and closed the tailgate at least three times but it simply wouldn't latch.

Does anyone have an idea how I can remove the interior trim in the boot to adjust the striker post?

Thanks

[vdubmotorworx]

Hi mate. Its usually the latch that plays up itself. the solenoid jams open so when you close the tailgate its still held in the open position. With the tailgate open try and latch it with your finger..think you will find it just wont click closed. If so needs new latch...if it does then adjustment.

[Hillbilly]

Hi mate. Its usually the latch that plays up itself. the solenoid jams open so when you close the tailgate its still held in the open position. With the tailgate open try and latch it with your finger..think you will find it just wont click closed. If so needs new latch...if it does then adjustment.

Or maybe some lubrication to stop it sticking in the open postion

[Frankenstrat]

Thanks for the response, the latch mechanism was the first thing I tried and it works fine; latched with my finger then unlatched it with the badge handle - no problem there. I have noticed that the LH side of the tailgate sits slightly proud down by the left-side tail light, the RH side not so much. I tried sitting in the boot and closing the tailgate from the inside to see if anything was apparent but couldn't see anything obvious. It just seems bizarre that it happened overnight. Looks like it might be a job for the service department. It's a total pain because the car is effectively unlocked at all times right now.

[vdubmotorworx]

When you latch it over with your finger try pulling it back...sometimes it appears to have latched but it doesnt thats why when you slam it closed it bounces back

[Frankenstrat]

OK, pushed the latch with my finger and it goes to about 2/3 latched, I then pushed the upper part of the latch until the curved tongue was in the fully latched position. Placed my finger where the locking post would be and pulled downwards... and it opened.

New latch required?

[vdubmotorworx]

Yep!.....

[Frankenstrat]

Thanks bro, I appreciate your help.

[Man In Black (MIB)]

Exact same thing happened to me and it was a new latch.

[Frankenstrat]

OK, one final question then - make that two; how much for a new latch and can it be a DIY job? Or should I just take it to the local VW service centre? (That was three questions for the price of two)