R36 Wagon - Power Tailgate closing issues?

[wags]

Hi All,

I'm a new (to me) owner of a MY10 R36 wagon with power tailgate.

I've noticed on the odd occasion that when I go to the close the tailgate via the button, that it does not respond in closing.

The first time it happened (and before I'd read the owners manual comprehensively), I kind of panicked. Thought maybe I would put the key in the ignition again and try to close. Nothing.

How about starting the engine and trying to close? Nothing.

As a last resort, I just forced it down manually and could hear the locking mechanism kick in (so no issue there).

It's happened on a few random occasions since then, and I just close it manually every time it happens.

I don't have any issues with it opening from the switch in the drivers seat or the key fob, and just wanted to know if there are others out there who have had a similar? Or could advise what I should look for in investigating a fix.

Thanks in advance,
Damo.

Damo

I've had exactly the same issue since buying my MY09 R36 wagon last year. I have been trying to find out whether there's anything that seems to make it worse (i.e. rain, heat etc) and so far haven't figured anything out.

I will give the reset a go and see if it makes any difference, but like yours, mine seems to work intermittently and when it doesn't I just manually push it down.

Any idea what a non-warranty switch replacement might be worth?

Wags


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[damo_t]

Damo

I've had exactly the same issue since buying my MY09 R36 wagon last year. I have been trying to find out whether there's anything that seems to make it worse (i.e. rain, heat etc) and so far haven't figured anything out.

I will give the reset a go and see if it makes any difference, but like yours, mine seems to work intermittently and when it doesn't I just manually push it down.

Any idea what a non-warranty switch replacement might be worth?

Wags


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Hi wags,

Thanks for sharing your experience. Sounds like we're in the same boat.

I've done a quick search on the net regarding replacement, but haven't found anything as yet.

Seems to be a lot of parking brake switches though.

I'll put a query through VAG, and let you know what they quote.

By any chance, does anyone know if it's a possible DIY job for the non-technically minded?

Cheers,
Damo

[damo_t]

Update. I was able to source a new switch for $44. Funnily enough the tailgate has been working fine ever since. But I may just purchase it as a back up. Seems to be a decent price for OEM.

Cheers,
Damo

[wags]

Great work Damo. Do you have a part number?


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[damo_t]

Great work Damo. Do you have a part number?

I'll post it once the part comes in for you. Looking at a couple of weeks, but will definitely update.

Cheers,
Damo

[wags]

I'll post it once the part comes in for you. Looking at a couple of weeks, but will definitely update.

Cheers,
Damo

Thanks mate!


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[2muchcoffeeman]

Mine's still playing up....The list of repairs so far extends to:

• 2 x control module
• switch
• replacement of the motors

All of this and it has still never worked for more than a few weeks.

[2muchcoffeeman]

Finally we have closure....

This time they checked out the wiring loom and lo and behold a crimped wire was culprit and it was only coming into play at the top of the tailgate travel- presumably with a short.

Up until now I felt that it was just a matter of throwing everything at the problem. I reckon we have a fix this time

[damo_t]

Finally we have closure....

This time the checked out the wiring loom and lo and behold a crimped wire was culprit and it was only coming into play at the top of the tailgate travel.

Up until now I felt that it was just a matter of throwing everything at the problem. I reckon we have a fix this time

That's great news. I'll keep it in mind if and when we troubleshoot.

Still waiting on the part actually. But to be fair it hasn't played up much at all. If it does, I just re-press the button to make better "contact" if that makes sense, and has worked every time bar one.

Cheers,
Damo

[2muchcoffeeman]

So far, so good. A week in and it's still working!