Retrofit T6 Tailgate to T5.1

[andyrap]

Morning everyone. I have to admit this one has me beaten so far! I‘ve read up what I can but haven‘t found any definitive answers for how to make this work.

I’ve just changed my 5.1 (2010) tailgate to a T6 one. I thought the latch would function in a similar way to the 5.1 and kept the 5.1 loom in there but it’s not cooperating. I’m OK with most electrics but this is beyond me so is a call for help! I have the T6 loom as well so it’s not a big deal to switch that back in there if needed, but the connectors inside are completely different. I‘ve put a few pics and hoping someone might know a path forward.

I’m in Bournemouth and can travel if necessary if there’s an auto elec knows what to do. Need to get it working!

Any suggestions welcomed. Cheers! Andy

 

[Pauly]

Never done one but AFAIK you have to run a couple cables back to the dash to connect to the BCM to control the locking etc

 

[mmi]

Perhaps the culprit is here -

From 17-pin T5.1 connector to 17-pin T6-connector

10 --> 15​

15 --> 10 (or --> 9, see switches F5/F111 (tailgate open/at 1st latch/closed)​

9 --> 9 (or --> 10, see switches F5/F111)​

The rest of the pin numbers are the same.​

 

[Ads_Essex]

As Pauly said, you’ll need to run two cables to the BCM as the function works differently on the T6.

It’ll want coding in, too. As will the LED numberplate lights.

Littleblackflash has posted up his DIY work in the tailgate conversion thread.

 

[57eff]

Hi guys, first post here. I’m in a similar situation regarding retrofitting a T6 tailgate to a 2008 T5 Shuttle (has factory tailgate).

i would much prefer to have a mechanical exterior handle and keep things simple. Did any T6 tailgate models come with a mechanically operated exterior handle or were they all electric release?

The T6 tailgate I bought is bare and I was hoping to swap across most of the bits from my working tailgate.

If electric release is the only way, is it the same procedure as Littleblackflash has posted? Any advice is welcome.

 

[Pauly]

All T6 are electric release

 

[samt5]

Morning everyone. I have to admit this one has me beaten so far! I‘ve read up what I can but haven‘t found any definitive answers for how to make this work.

I’ve just changed my 5.1 (2010) tailgate to a T6 one. I thought the latch would function in a similar way to the 5.1 and kept the 5.1 loom in there but it’s not cooperating. I’m OK with most electrics but this is beyond me so is a call for help! I have the T6 loom as well so it’s not a big deal to switch that back in there if needed, but the connectors inside are completely different. I‘ve put a few pics and hoping someone might know a path forward.

I’m in Bournemouth and can travel if necessary if there’s an auto elec knows what to do. Need to get it working!

Any suggestions welcomed. Cheers! Andy

View attachment 122339View attachment 122340View attachment 122341

Hello Andy! Did you ever manage to get the the bottom of this?? I’m looking to t6 tailgate my t5

 

[57eff]

Just wanted to come back with some feedback on the way I made a T6 tailgate work on my T5 Shuttle.

I retained my loom, lock mechanism and latch. I ditched the internal and external handles. I bought a T6 outer handle (which is just a button). Also needed new connectors for number plate lights and a slight mod to the high level brake light connector (shave off a guide on the back).

I bought a cheap universal central locking two wire actuator (sub £5) and you will need to run a permanent 12v live into the tailgate via the rubber boot.

First thing is the latch is a direct swap. This means the tailgate shuts without any bother. Oh and I retained the T5 gas struts as it seems the T6 ones are shorter.
Next is mounting the universal actuator directly above the latch and mating up the two rods so the actuator pulls and releases the latch. Wiring up the external T6 handle is also straight forward as its just a momentary switch so wire it in series with the actuator.

The issue was making it lock. I had several ideas but in the end I went with the simpler (to me) option of retaining the main locking mechanism from the t5 and adding a micro switch to the outside of it which is activated by the lock/unlock pin. The micro switch is then in series with the outer handle and the actuator on the 12v permanent feed (make sure its fused somewhere you can get to without opening tailgate).

In addition another another push button switch can be fitted inside and wired in parallel to the outer handle so the tailgate can be opened from inside.

Hope this helps.

 

[Ballsyb1]

Hi I’m in the process of converting my t5.1 barn doors to t6 tailgate with solid rear panel (no window) the tailgate I’ve brought has nothing inside ie loom actuators/ mechanism I've got it fitted and painted, it’s booked in with retrofits to sort wiring out, I’ve got it latching, I’ve called vw commercial to order the internal parts but as I don’t know the reg of the donor van He said I’m stuck as there’s a few different models, If any one could point me in the right direction with either a photo or link to a parts diagram it would be really helpful, or better one breaking

See pics

 

[Texxaco]

@Pauly is your man @Ballsyb1

 

[Ballsyb1]

Thanks

 

[mmi]

E.g. website

IFI CP2 Message

 

[Ballsyb1]

Thanks

E.g. website

IFI CP2 Message

View attachment 152241

That’s perfect
Do you have the diagram with the internal parts on also, ie latch mechanism, number plate light housing etc… thanks

 

[Ads_Essex]

Do you have the diagram with the internal parts on also, ie latch mechanism, number plate light housing etc… thanks

this may help

Barn-door To Tailgate Conversion

HOW TO TAILGATE This is a guide to replacing the barn doors on your T6 with a tailgate. The conversion is in itself simple, with the parts being bolted on, and falls in to three elements - having the parts present, having the tools available, and having the electrical system altered. Parts...

www.t6forum.com

 

[DanRaistrick]

Hi All, New here so apologies if dicussed previously.

I'm in the process of doing my T5.1 BD to T6.1 Tailgate conversion and could do with some help...

Front end is all complete. Rear end is 90% there, just needs the tailgate loom wiring in and an issue with the rear lights looking at (repinned and all works apart from the actual rear lights - maybe I've buggered the BCM while trying to get the pinning right?).

Is there anybody local to Co Durham who specialises in this? With the chew i had changing the rear lights im not confident carrying out the tailgate harness install!

TIA

Dan

 

[Dazts1]

Hi All, New here so apologies if dicussed previously.

I'm in the process of doing my T5.1 BD to T6.1 Tailgate conversion and could do with some help...

Front end is all complete. Rear end is 90% there, just needs the tailgate loom wiring in and an issue with the rear lights looking at (repinned and all works apart from the actual rear lights - maybe I've buggered the BCM while trying to get the pinning right?).

Is there anybody local to Co Durham who specialises in this? With the chew i had changing the rear lights im not confident carrying out the tailgate harness install!

TIA

Dan

Where you at in County Durham?

 

[DanRaistrick]

Where you at in County Durham?

Newton Aycliffe

 

[Dazts1]

Newton Aycliffe

I live in aycliffe too. I used Ian Baines to wire mine in.

 

[DanRaistrick]

I live in aycliffe too. I used Ian Baines to wire mine in.

Any chance you could PM me some way to contact him? If its the bloke I'm thinking of he lives just around the corner from my Mother, but I don't really fancy just turning up and knocking on his door .

Cheers

 

[mjelkin89]

Morning everyone. I have to admit this one has me beaten so far! I‘ve read up what I can but haven‘t found any definitive answers for how to make this work.

I’ve just changed my 5.1 (2010) tailgate to a T6 one. I thought the latch would function in a similar way to the 5.1 and kept the 5.1 loom in there but it’s not cooperating. I’m OK with most electrics but this is beyond me so is a call for help! I have the T6 loom as well so it’s not a big deal to switch that back in there if needed, but the connectors inside are completely different. I‘ve put a few pics and hoping someone might know a path forward.

I’m in Bournemouth and can travel if necessary if there’s an auto elec knows what to do. Need to get it working!

Any suggestions welcomed. Cheers! Andy

View attachment 122339View attachment 122340

Morning everyone. I have to admit this one has me beaten so far! I‘ve read up what I can but haven‘t found any definitive answers for how to make this work.

I’ve just changed my 5.1 (2010) tailgate to a T6 one. I thought the latch would function in a similar way to the 5.1 and kept the 5.1 loom in there but it’s not cooperating. I’m OK with most electrics but this is beyond me so is a call for help! I have the T6 loom as well so it’s not a big deal to switch that back in there if needed, but the connectors inside are completely different. I‘ve put a few pics and hoping someone might know a path forward.

I’m in Bournemouth and can travel if necessary if there’s an auto elec knows what to do. Need to get it working!

Any suggestions welcomed. Cheers! Andy

View attachment 122339View attachment 122340View attachment 122341

View attachment 122341

Hi I am doing the same swap, t6 tailgate fitted to my 07 t5, I need to get the male side connector of the t6 connector you have in your hand to make my connections to the t 5 loom.

My t6 electric tailgate handle I’m doing with a timer realy any information would be most appreciated.