Golf Mk 5 (56 plate) 1.4S - Tailgate Electrics Not Working

[pmls15]

Can anyone advise on an electrical failure which has simultaneously affected: the boot release catch; rear wiper (but not washer); reversing lights; high level brake lights; and rear fog lamps on my Golf Mk 5. It was ok one day then the next day the boot wouldn't release and a "bulb out" warning light was visible. After reading several threads on the forum, I checked the following: Bulbs (all ok); Fuses (all ok); bodywork/tailgate rubber conduit and cables (ok); inside of tailgate lining (ok & dry with no leaks from washer). With the exception of the fog lamps, the problem only affects electrics within the tailgate itself. It's still drivable as all other functions work but I've booked it into a local garage, early next week, for a diagnostic check. In the meantime, if anyone has any suggestions I'd be grateful.

[pmls15]

Problem solved and lesson learnt! Should have been more thorough checking passenger side wiring gaiter as brown wire had completely separated. Now joined back together and everything works again. Thanks for the guidance from other similar threads and I hope this helps others in future as one wire stops so many things working.

[radox]

Horrible problem this. I had it a month or so back. Managed to get VW to pay 50% of the cost to replace the loom because I think this is a design fault. See Stuart Dalby - 2005 Volkswagen Golf Mk 5 - Tailgate Snapped Wires (http://www.stuartdalby.co.uk/vwgolfmk5/tailgate_snapped_wires/index.php)

Hope that helps,
Stuart
Stuart Dalby - 2005 Volkswagen Golf Mk 5 (http://www.stuartdalby.co.uk/vwgolfmk5)

[pmls15]

Stuart, Thanks for that. It was only the brown wire that had parted and the others looked OK. The repair included lengthening it slightly, so it should be better in future. At least I now know the signs and remedy. Thanks again for the info. Pete