golf mk5 rear electrics problem

[peter warren]

I have a problem with my rear wiper, rear fog light, parkers etc not working.
I have checked fuses all seem OK
Also rear hatch doesn't always open though often does on second attempt or after using remote for second time.
any ideas?

[david.abrahart]

I have exactly the same - more recently the rear wiper has stopped working completely yet the tailgate sometimes opens. Also noticed that the self-dipping rear view mirror hs stopped "dipping".

I wondered if there was a cable break where the cables pass from body to tailgate or perhap both were controlled by the same unit that manages the central locking.

I decided to check the fuses but couldn't find the interior fusebox...

Not keen to go to VAG as they will either replace parts that don't need replacing..

David

[RickT]

Hi,

First of all i would remove the tail gate plastic cover from the inside.

That way you will be able to see all the wiring on the inside and start checking the voltage of each why to root out the problem.

Also, the rear wiper, washer pump fail and these leak over the boot lock and rust them, hence why you sometimes get problems..

Rick

[david.abrahart]

Rick,

thanks for your reply. I found a VW tech guide which explained about the hidden tailgate release - so I could open the tailgate and take the inside trim off - everything inside is spotless including the network repeater on the tailgate lid... the car is too complex for its own good.

I think the issue is that the lock mechanism is telling the control unit (via its 4 wire connector...) that the tailgate is open, thus the open-request from the release switch is ignored by the control unit. And when the tailgate is open I suspect the r/wipe is de-activated... So I will buy a new lock mechanism and try it. If nothing else I will have saved the hour that VAG would charge to remove and re-fit the trim...

thanks

David

[david.abrahart]

...so I bought a new lock which didn't solve the issue..so no choice but to take it to the dealers :-( ....

[peter warren]

Thanks for the update David I am following this with interest
cheers
Peter

[Ben]

Rick,

. I found a VW tech guide which explained about the hidden tailgate release -

Where was this guide?

If you post a link i'll add it to the how to guide section

[GarJE]

Check wires between car body and boot door. The ones in the rubber boot.

[onzarob]

Where was this guide?

If you post a link i'll add it to the how to guide section

Its in the owners manual as well

[david.abrahart]

Hi all,

so today it went into my local trusted VW specialist garage (Karcare in Reading) :

- without looking they advised that it was a broken wire in the drivers side body-tailgate rubber boot. It seems that the thickest of the wires is made too short and constant strain eventually broke it; apparently a common Mk5 fault. Two repair options : updated rear loom at £350+ or replacement piece of cable at £15.

So they fitted the replacement piece and a new front sidelight bulb including parts for £25inc. Perfect.

btw, the guide I borrowed was Elsawin v3.61 which has some pretty interesting stuff about VW technicals.

Thanks to all of you for your comments.

David