Boot latching problems

[BrettD]

Lol, Thanks anyway guys

[vaughanf1]

Hi, I have the same problem on my 2002 Passat. The boot won't latch properly. I think the problem is in the latch itself. From what I can see the spring inside the latch mechanism has come off. I have tried to take the plastic cover off the latch to get to the spring but it is proving quite difficult so far. I will post a reply if I get it working.

[vaughanf1]

After searching the web it seems that a few Passat owners have experienced this problem. The solution is rather crude but effective. You have to first get the boot lining off which means undoing two screws on the underside of the boot lining. Then it is just a matter of brute force to remove the boot lining from the boot lid, it won't damage anything. That way you can then get access to the two 10mm nuts either side of the latch. Undo these two and then you can remove the plastic cover from the latch mechanism. My latch had a broken spring which is near impossible to reattach. So the solution is to use rubber bands, or hair bands which might be more durable. The first rubber band needs to go around the solenoid lever so that there is tension. I put it around the lever and the plate where the right hand nut goes so that there is enough tension. The second rubber band goes around the smaller of the two levers so that there is enough tension to keep it always open. Its a matter of sliding the plastic cover on and threading the rubber band through the cover. Its a bit of trial and error but my boot now works perfectly. I am sure the rubber bands will snap over time and need replacing however it sure beats paying $400 for a new latch. Hope this helps.

Also if you cannot hear your solenoid firing when you use the remote key then take a look at the switch inside the latch mechanism when you have the latch off. It might not be aligned properly. The solenoid will only fire if the switch lever is depressed, which requires the small lever in the latch to be pressing against it. The switch might just need to be pushed in a little so there is a better connection.