Passat Boot not Locking

zulfikarMD

Hi,

I have a problem with boot not locking on my passat 2003. Can someone point me as to what could be the problem?

Thank you.

andyseadog

its just refusing to shut and keeps popping back open?

zulfikarMD

yes. it stays open i tired to lock it manually with key as well but it wont lock! :-(:(

andyseadog

in your passenger footwell take off the plastic scuff panel and there should be a control unit inside. see if its wet. this was a big problem with golfs and passats around that age.

zulfikarMD

andyseadog wrote: »

in your passenger footwell take off the plastic scuff panel and there should be a control unit inside. see if its wet. this was a big problem with golfs and passats around that age.

thanks andyseadog. quick question - is it the wet control unit the problem? how do i clean the control unit? is it possible to take it off and dry it? thanks for your help again.

andyseadog

generally is, you'l find other things will start going wrong like the central locking and electric windows.

you can remove it in 5 or 10 minutes. just remove the plastic panel around where your left foot would be if you were sitting in the passenger seat.

i suppose its like drying any other electrical item (mobile phone, laptop etc) it will be hit and miss. if i was to try dry it, i would put it in a bowl of rice for a few days (sounds crazy but apparently it absorbs damp)

what you really need to do is stop the water getting in to stop it happening again.

zulfikarMD

andyseadog wrote: »

i suppose its like drying any other electrical item (mobile phone, laptop etc) it will be hit and miss. if i was to try dry it, i would put it in a bowl of rice for a few days (sounds crazy but apparently it absorbs damp)

i will try this:D

andyseadog wrote: »

what you really need to do is stop the water getting in to stop it happening again.

hmm.. that was my last question..where does the water get in there? considering weather like in ireland it could be a ongoing issue in these passat models..how do i stop the water come into it? Thank you.

homer90

It may also be the locking mechanism/module itself. Iv had to replace the unit before on a b5.5 passat. A spring inside the lock broke. Just test it by passing a key through the catch to see if it 'locks' Release by using the central locking. (if that makes sense )

andyseadog

hmm.. that was my last question..where does the water get in there? considering weather like in ireland it could be a ongoing issue in these passat models..how do i stop the water come into it? Thank you.

i think the factory windscreens werent fitted properly, but honestly im not 100% sure on that bit. it was a common problem though, so maybe google could help you.

It may also be the locking mechanism/module itself. Iv had to replace the unit before on a b5.5 passat. A spring inside the lock broke. Just test it by passing a key through the catch to see if it 'locks' Release by using the central locking. (if that makes sense )

this was also a problem with passats, for the sake of 2 seconds its well worth checking.

zulfikarMD

homer90 wrote: »

It may also be the locking mechanism/module itself. Iv had to replace the unit before on a b5.5 passat. A spring inside the lock broke. Just test it by passing a key through the catch to see if it 'locks' Release by using the central locking. (if that makes sense )

I can pull locking hatch with a key and see the hatch moving as it should (if this is what you mean?). its just when locking the boot its doesn't do anything..i tired with key to lock it manually and with the switch in the car but no luck.

agrostar

zulfikarMD wrote: »

Hi,

I have a problem with boot not locking on my passat 2003. Can someone point me as to what could be the problem?

Thank you.

Yeah i have the same problem with my passat hopefully some of the suggestions here will help me fix the problem:). Seems better than having to find wall to reverse against everytime you have something valuable in the boot:D:D

homer90

While your at it , check your drains...

Another known issue, as mentioned. !!

homer90

zulfikarMD wrote: »

I can pull locking hatch with a key and see the hatch moving as it should (if this is what you mean?). its just when locking the boot its doesn't do anything..i tired with key to lock it manually and with the switch in the car but no luck.

Yes, push the latch all the way back. It should click / lock shut, around the key, so to speak.

zulfikarMD

homer90 wrote: »

Yes, push the latch all the way back. It should click / lock shut, around the key, so to speak.

i tried as you said and latch doesn't click/shut when pull all the way back. It's like it doesnt do anything when you do this manually, or by akey or by locking switch inside the car. Any idea?

zulfikarMD

andyseadog wrote: »

in your passenger footwell take off the plastic scuff panel and there should be a control unit inside. see if its wet. this was a big problem with golfs and passats around that age.

I wasn't able to take off the plastic of the front passenger side footwell. is it just fixed with the clips/anything like that? or is it fitted with the screw? I will try that back again tomorrow and see if i can remove it.:mad:

bluefinger

zulfikarMD wrote: »

i tried as you said and latch doesn't click/shut when pull all the way back. It's like it doesnt do anything when you do this manually, or by akey or by locking switch inside the car. Any idea?

could be part of the lock itself is broke. i've been through two of them. did anyone shut the boot very firmly as this could be what caused it. if this is the problem you'll pick up a replacement lock in a scrap yard for about 50 euro. easy enough to fit too.

zulfikarMD

I found following googling for "passat boot lock". Please check the final answer. This might be worth trying/useful for people having boot locking issue on VAG.

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Motoring/Question510556.html

martinr5232

You need a new boot lock mechanism its a common problem on these passats and superbs.

zulfikarMD

how much does OEM boot lock mechanism cost (part + fitting) from a dealer? and a local garage? or is it a DIY job which anyone can do? boot lock actuator is what i need i think???