Alarm Going off - tailgate trim removal!

[tommull82]

Hello

First post so please go easy on me!

I have a 2011 B8 Avant, and over the weekend have had the alarm going off constantly. Doing my research i suspect this is down to the rear washer becoming detached and shorting the boot lock (the rear washer hasn't worked for a while, and my usual mechanic highlighted this as an issue)

My question is this. I need to remove the interior trim from the bootlid, but am struggling. I have undone the two screws near the lights, along with the two in the middle behind the warning triangle, but it seems to be firmly in place, particularly around the lock.

Am i missing something? If i can get this panel off then hopefully I can reconnect the washer hose and dry out the latch which may well sort my problem (or at least eliminate this as the cause!)

Thanks for you help.

[Crasher]

It is more likely to be the washer feed connection to the motor which is leaking and yes the liner has to come off. The cover is held on with obnoxiously strong metal clips that take a huge amount of brute force to overcome even when using the proper release tool; I removed one a few weeks back and it came away so suddenly it took a chunk out of my forehead!

[tommull82]

Hey

Thanks! Managed to pry the connectors off (with a crowbar no less!!) and get a good look at the washer, and it is definitely losing fluid from somewhere in there!

So, hopefully this is just a question of replacing it? Should i buy another door latch unit as well?

Weird thing is, its not from using the rear washer that seems to have caused the issue, more the ridiculous rain we had over the weekend!

Fingers crossed a new washer motor will fix it!

[Crasher]

The microswitch in the latch is often damaged and occasionally the pins in the plug corroded which make it more complicated.

[tommull82]

Thanks - ordered a new latch/lock mechanism too so hopefully have my bases covered

Appreciate the help.

[tommull82]

The microswitch in the latch is often damaged and occasionally the pins in the plug corroded which make it more complicated.

Well, i replaced the wiper motor and definitely needed it as was very corroded inside - was okay for a couple of hours but since alarm has gone off again.

Time to try the boot latch?

If that doesnt sort it is it likely to be anythng else? seen a couple of suggestions re changing the alarm sounder?

Thanks

[Crasher]

Unplug the latch and see if it stops, using VCDS you would be able to see what was triggering it.

[tommull82]

**UPDATE**

Swapped out the rear wiper motor so sorted the issue with the rear washer not working.

Still getting the alarm issue even after trying a replacement latch.

Finally got a mate with Carista to scan it for me and the ONLY error is relating to the Rear Glass-Break Sensors....

Not really sure what the next step is as new rear window is £300. Have seen some other forums commenting that the best bet is to loop the wires to close the connection...

[Crasher]

I don't know if Carista can do it but you need to see the list of the last four triggers in measuring blocks.

[tommull82]

I don't know if Carista can do it but you need to see the list of the last four triggers in measuring blocks.

Turns out Carista couldnt handle it, however a quick visit from a mobile technician sorted the issue.

Closed the loop between the pos/neg on then sensor and taped them up (so can be undone if the glass ever gets replaced) and removed the fault.

Car has been fine ever since. Well worth the 50 quid he charged me!