Tailgate doesn't open on my A4 Avant

[mr singh]

Folks, not sure about this one. Yesterday I couldn't open the tailgate on my 2004 Avant TDI. I could hear the solenoid/mech working but only half it simply didn't want to pop open.

It happend a couple of weeks back when it was also a very hot day like we had yesterday by the evening once it had cooled down it was fine.

Is this a known problem for these?

Cheers.

[alanhayman]

Hi im looking for the same anwser as mine is doing the same, ??? also an 2004 advant 1.9tdi

[weeleigh]

Hi,

Can you open your tailgate with the key? If you can, pop the door trim off and check if the solenoid is moving and that the metal bar is properly attached.

If the bar is attached, you probably need a new solenoid unit.

Check this how to guide here-

https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...ad.php?t=43465

[miniredcooper]

Not the most technical of answers, but I used to have problems with my back doors (which weren't used very often) during very hot weather. The rubber seals became quite sticky and you wouldn't believe the effort to pull them open.
Give the seals a quick once over with a damp soapy cloth when you have the tailgate open next - you never know. Could be a two minute job that saves a lot of frustration and further investigation.

[Barside]

Only to also add that i have a 2004 A4 Avant and have exactly the same problem. Its been more noticeable this year with the good weather. It wont open with the fob either. As soon as the weather cools down it opens. Its really annoying when your stood their with all your shopping.

[travis002]

This happened on my Avant when the car got very hot on a trip to Portugal. It then became a more regular happening.
If you can crawl into the boot space there is a red tab in the emergency triangle space which when pulled will manually release the catch.
I changed the solenoid which was fairly straightforward and from memory only about £25 for a new solenoid. Never had a problem since