Tailgate opens itself

[craig808]

I'm having issues with the door handle mechanism on the tailgate of my 6.1. Not sure why but it keeps releasing on its own. Usually it is when I start the van and then when I close it again it stops shut . Other times it just won't stay shut for longer than 5 mins


As I'm driving I can hear the electric mechanism releasing and closing.

Has anybody had the same issues and if so, please could you shed some light on what the problem is?

 

[Pauly]

I would unplug the 2 pin connector on the inside of the handle and see if it stops

 

[tictap]

I've had the same issue, had to replace the release switch on the inside of the tailgate.

 

[craig808]

I've had the same issue, had to replace the release switch on the inside of the tailgate.

Did you do it yourself. Is it easy?

I'm bloody useless when it comes to fixing things myself!

And do you mind me asking how much the part was please?

 

[Pauly]

What type of van is it ?
If it’s just a standard PV or kombi then it’s only a case of removing the inner lower panel and all the wiring etc is readily accessible, there’s a two pin plug for the outside handle and a four pin plug for the interior button (if you have one)

 

[tictap]

Did you do it yourself. Is it easy?

I'm bloody useless when it comes to fixing things myself!

And do you mind me asking how much the part was please?

Didn't do it myself as I thought it was the lock at first. Apparently it was a proper chew to swap it and I was shocked at the bill, £262. Think the part was around £50. They stripped it one day, ordered the part and fitted the second day. A lot of stripping down they said.

 

[craig808]

What type of van is it ?
If it’s just a standard PV or kombi then it’s only a case of removing the inner lower panel and all the wiring etc is readily accessible, there’s a two pin plug for the outside handle and a four pin plug for the interior button (if you have one)

It's a Kombi. Might just buy the part then take it to the local garage

 

[craig808]

Didn't do it myself as I thought it was the lock at first. Apparently it was a proper chew to swap it and I was shocked at the bill, £262. Think the part was around £50. They stripped it one day, ordered the part and fitted the second day. A lot of stripping down they said.

Thanks for that, much appreciated.

 

[dunc360]

It's a Kombi. Might just buy the part then take it to the local garage

Did you resolve this issue? Did you DIY? If you could share the part that you ordered, it would be a big help.

I've had to unplug connectors as I am getting the same issue, as soon as I put the keys in the ignition, the tailgate unlocks. I could hear the unlocking mechanism glitching out constantly as I drove around.

 

[Sackmycook]

A lot of stripping down they said.

Hmm, really?

 

[Sasquatch]

Hmm, really?

Oh aye, that inner trim panel can take 2 or 3 minutes to remove! A considerable job of work.

 

[dunc360]

Oh aye, that inner trim panel can take 2 or 3 minutes to remove! A considerable job of work.

Do you know the part required?

 

[Sackmycook]

Do you know the part required?

Join as VIP and you get access to wiring and parts diagrams

 

[Spaghetti]

Could it be the wires damaged/shorting in the rubber tube between the body and tailgate?

 

[dunc360]

Yes, I’m hoping it’s not that - but this time last year the dealership had the tailgate off to fix corrosion under warranty. So it’s a possibility.

 

[craig808]

Did you resolve this issue? Did you DIY? If you could share the part that you ordered, it would be a big help.

I've had to unplug connectors as I am getting the same issue, as soon as I put the keys in the ignition, the tailgate unlocks. I could hear the unlocking mechanism glitching out constantly as I drove around.

Hi

Yes it's now resolved.

I took it to the local VW specialist. It was the electric release mechanism that had got wet due to water ingress in the tailgate. He actually had 3 other Transporters in with the same issue

 

[Lubrown]

Hmm, really?

Yeah, either with the receptionist or it was a sunny day

 

[dunc360]

Thanks.

Hi

Yes it's now resolved.

I took it to the local VW specialist. It was the electric release mechanism that had got wet due to water ingress in the tailgate. He actually had 3 other Transporters in with the same issue

Thanks, interestingly I’ve connected all of the wires again and it’s working properly today. Which makes me think it’s water ingress too & had just dried out. Will order the part