My tailgate wont shut?

[Aud1]

A6 avant - Just back from having a new a/c clutch (not Audi dealer) fitted and the tailgate will not shut. It seems to connect with the D fitting ok but the lock doesn't seem to 'grab' it.

Any ideas before I get on the phone and hurl the requisite abuse?

Thanks! [img]images/graemlins/062802beat_prv.gif[/img]

[Aud1]

Can the central locking become confused? Is there a way to reset it?

Hope someone has an answer before I dig myself a hole by talking utter bo**ocks!

[img]images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[Aud1]

I see no one's interested in my tailgate problem!! [img]images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

If I was asking about what brake/suspension set up to use or how I could fit a twin intercooler no doubt I'd have a whole heap of response! [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img]

However i'm going to look a bit daft tearing down the road with my rear door dangling in the breeze [img]images/graemlins/033102bigblink_1_prv.gif[/img]

I guess there's nothing for it but a visit to the [img]images/graemlins/24430-audibash.gif[/img] dealer! [img]images/graemlins/spineyes.gif[/img]

[Nige_RS4]

Take it back to the guys who did the air-con work and tell them "it was working when I gave it to you" ? Try un-locking it via the remote and seeing if the catch moves? If all else fails, hit is with a hammer [img]images/graemlins/24430-audibash.gif[/img](er no, I meant slam it shut and see if that sorts it out)!

[Aud1]

Ha! Got the usual 'nuffing to do with us guv, we didn't touch it' from the a/c boys and as for slamming it shut, just ask my (irate) neighbours! [img]images/graemlins/<beep>_you.gif[/img]

mmm, should the catch move if the remote is pressed? 'cos it doesn't, makes a whirring noise but the catch itself remains lifeless [img]images/graemlins/033102scull_1_prv.gif[/img]

Was thinking about taking the catch apart.....

[Nige_RS4]

Do you get the same whirring noise when you try and shut it ? I don't think the catch should actually move, but the locking mechanism should activate when the striker hits it.

[Aud1]

er no, it doesn't. I have tried to put something similar to the D fitting into the catch and though the hook swivels around it you can just pull it out again. As if it thinks its unlocked... hence my thinking it might be the central locking rather than the catch.... [img]images/graemlins/033102talk_1_prv.gif[/img] then again....

[PhilT]

Have you tried using the key in the boot lock?

[Aud1]

I have tried using the key in the lock and it makes all the right noises but nowt 'appens. I suppose I should use the key and the remote at the same time in case its just got confused???? [img]images/graemlins/boohoo.gif[/img]

[PhilT]

Give up. Take it to the Audi dealer and ask them to have a look and to quote you to fix it.... You never know they might even do it on the spot for free [img]images/graemlins/3flypigs.gif[/img] .

[s2driver]

OK. Couple of posts to follow with pictures since I can't post multiple pics in the same message. Firstly, nothing obvious is impeding the closure of the door?

Does your catch look something like the attached picture?

[s2driver]

First picture shows the catch in its open position ready to close when the boot is shut.

The second picture (i.e. the one in this post) shows the lock in the closed position. I have just pushed it with my finger to close it. This is what the lock looks like with the door closed.

If you lock loock more like this second picture then your boot thinks that it is open and therefor will not shut. Pulling the handle to open the door should make this pop into the position shown in picture 1. You might need to help it with a screwdriver (whilst pulling on the handle) if the mechanism is a bit tight.

If it looks like this picture and it doesn't release to look like the first picture then your mechanism is probably iffy.

If your lock looks nothing like the one in the picture appologies for added confusion!!

Lee

[s2driver]

Just trying the above will only take 2 minutes and help you establish where the fault might be before you get rodgered by Audi.

Besides, can't leave your car for another night with an open trunk can we?

Lee

[s2driver]

Just re-read your original post and you say it is not grabbing when closed. Try passing a biro through the lock to see if it grabs that when the door is open. This will let you see what is going on (or not going on) as the lock strikes the pin.

It doesn't sound like a central locking problem but more of a mechanical issue with the lock itself. From your original description it doesn't sound like the mechanism to the door handle either. Tried a liberal spray of WD40 or Plusgas on the mechanism to see if it frees the latch that holds the catch in place once the door is closed?

Lee