2018 T6 Tailgate unlock switch dead, will not open, is there a manual override?

[Fin5150]

Hi, apologies if there is a solution posted already but I did have a search and couldn’t find an answer.
My electronic tailgate release has stopped working and I cannot get the tailgate to release using the handle. There doesn’t seem to be grommet hiding a keyhole on the handle anywhere and I have no way of opening it from the inside, being a camper the door is ply and carpet lined and there is also a bed in the way! Is there a way to override the electronic lock? I think I may have been over enthusiastic with the pressure washer removing grime and salt around the tailgate handle and water has got in there, as I noticed the fault a few hours after the wash. Will a VW van centre be able to get in and repair the handle? Thanks in advance

 

[mmi]

A diagnostic tool can release the electric latch (assuming it's not the actual latch itself that has failed).

 

[T6TJJ]

If the motor is the issue you would somehow need to pull this (arrow) lever behind the pushbutton/handle to open..
otherwise (if its not the motor but the switch/handle itself) shorting the 2 wires in the blue connector wil probably open it as well (but I.m not sure on that)

 

[Fin5150]

Thanks folks!! T6TJJ…. Good tips but the issue is not being able to access that arm or the wires as the ply lining and carpet, bed etc are prohibitting access to the inside of the tailgate.

A diagnostic tool can release the electric latch (assuming it's not the actual latch itself that has failed).

Really? I hadn’t thought of that….I have VCDS so will try that now, cheers!

 

[Fin5150]

So.....turns out VCDS will open the tailgate, at least I know the motor is still working. It's still not releasing from the handle itself, or with the key fob (never has off the fob, not sure if its meant to?) At least I've narrowed the problem down and know it just needs a new handle.
Cheers guys.

 

[Salty Spuds]

Whilst you’re fiddling. I had a similar problem a few years back. If you didn’t have the van lined, there would be a hole on the inside of the door with a rubber grommet in it. Circled in yellow below. If you poke your finger through said hole, there’s a small lever circled in red, that mechanically operates the latch and opens the door. I attached a piece of fishing line to this lever, passed it through a plastic tube and ran it up the inside of the door to the wiper motor. I tucked the end of the line into the wiper motor housing and voila. An emergency release for when things (inevitably) go wrong in the future.

 

[Fin5150]

Whilst you’re fiddling. I had a similar problem a few years back. If you didn’t have the van lined, there would be a hole on the inside of the door with a rubber grommet in it. Circled in yellow below. If you poke your finger through said hole, there’s a small lever circled in red, that mechanically operates the latch and opens the door. I attached a piece of fishing line to this lever, passed it through a plastic tube and ran it up the inside of the door to the wiper motor. I tucked the end of the line into the wiper motor housing and voila. An emergency release for when things (inevitably) go wrong in the future.View attachment 318575

Thanks mate…..found the hole with the grommet once I got the tailgate up with VCDS, the lining stops just above the hole, probably for that reason! New handle is on the way so that should solve it.