Tailgate trim removal

[Peter D]

How do you remove the tailgate trim on a 2002 Passat estate. The wiper motor has seized. Regards Peter

[Col]

Two screws at the base of the tailgate pillars.
Two screws hidden under covers in the inner grab handles, small screwy to lever out covers to get at screws

Then pull the cover off, some moderate violence required.

They can be a pain to refit, make sure the spring clips are lined up properly, easier said then done.

[Gary03]

You will also need some replacement clips. They break for a past time. Ebay is your friend here- passat trim clips | eBay
There are also others available, I just typed in 'Passat trim clips'.

[Col]

You will also need some replacement clips. They break for a past time. Ebay is your friend here- passat trim clips | eBay
There are also others available, I just typed in 'Passat trim clips'.

Not on the tailgate (B5.5 anyway) , they are metal. Door clips yes, you only have to look at them and they are broken.

[Gary03]

Not on the tailgate (B5.5 anyway) , they are metal. Door clips yes, you only have to look at them and they are broken.

I know, Col.
These are what I thought I linked to- VW GOLF JETTA PASSAT TOUAREG TRIM PANEL LINING COVERS METAL SPRING CLIPS CLIP | eBay

[Col]

I know, Col.
These are what I thought I linked to- VW GOLF JETTA PASSAT TOUAREG TRIM PANEL LINING COVERS METAL SPRING CLIPS CLIP | eBay

That's them.

Have you broken any of these? They are tricky to line up.

[Gary03]

That's them.

Have you broken any of these? They are tricky to line up.

I have indeed. Getting that panel back on (properly) seems to be a nightmare. Ive now had to do it twice in the last couple of years.