R36 Wagon - Power Tailgate closing issues?

[damo_t]

Hi All,

I'm a new (to me) owner of a MY10 R36 wagon with power tailgate.

I've noticed on the odd occasion that when I go to the close the tailgate via the button, that it does not respond in closing.

The first time it happened (and before I'd read the owners manual comprehensively), I kind of panicked. Thought maybe I would put the key in the ignition again and try to close. Nothing.

How about starting the engine and trying to close? Nothing.

As a last resort, I just forced it down manually and could hear the locking mechanism kick in (so no issue there).

It's happened on a few random occasions since then, and I just close it manually every time it happens.

I don't have any issues with it opening from the switch in the drivers seat or the key fob, and just wanted to know if there are others out there who have had a similar? Or could advise what I should look for in investigating a fix.

Thanks in advance,
Damo.

[The One]

Rasie the tail gate all the way to the open position and then hold the button for afew seconds, you will see the indicators flash which indicates it has been 'reset' try this and see how you go matey.

[damo_t]

Thanks for the tip. I'll try it out and report back.

Cheers,
Damo

[damo_t]

So I reset the tailgate and the next attempts to close the tailgate failed. But the next half dozen times closed without issue. I guess I'll keep monitoring it for now.

Also looking forward to any other peoples advice/experience with this issue.

Cheers,
Damo.

[2muchcoffeeman]

This has happened to me since my car was about 6 months old. More often that not, the tailgate didn't close...

So far, 2 x control module replaced and the tailgate switch was replaced as well.

Last week the car was again in for this issue as I was at the point where the tailgate was never closing. This time they have replaced both motors which power the tailgate. In <6 events since the new motors, so far, so good. I'll leave the jury out though.

[damo_t]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Cheers,

Damo.

[XXX-1.8T]

got mine changed under warranty and has been fine since

[damo_t]

got mine changed under warranty and has been fine since

Thanks for the reply. Can I ask what was replaced? i.e. just the tailgate switch? or control modules too?

Cheers,
Damo.

[XXX-1.8T]

they changed the switch

[damo_t]

they changed the switch

Thanks mate.

[wags]

Hi All,

I'm a new (to me) owner of a MY10 R36 wagon with power tailgate.

I've noticed on the odd occasion that when I go to the close the tailgate via the button, that it does not respond in closing.

The first time it happened (and before I'd read the owners manual comprehensively), I kind of panicked. Thought maybe I would put the key in the ignition again and try to close. Nothing.

How about starting the engine and trying to close? Nothing.

As a last resort, I just forced it down manually and could hear the locking mechanism kick in (so no issue there).

It's happened on a few random occasions since then, and I just close it manually every time it happens.

I don't have any issues with it opening from the switch in the drivers seat or the key fob, and just wanted to know if there are others out there who have had a similar? Or could advise what I should look for in investigating a fix.

Thanks in advance,
Damo.

Damo

I've had exactly the same issue since buying my MY09 R36 wagon last year. I have been trying to find out whether there's anything that seems to make it worse (i.e. rain, heat etc) and so far haven't figured anything out.

I will give the reset a go and see if it makes any difference, but like yours, mine seems to work intermittently and when it doesn't I just manually push it down.

Any idea what a non-warranty switch replacement might be worth?

Wags


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[damo_t]

Damo

I've had exactly the same issue since buying my MY09 R36 wagon last year. I have been trying to find out whether there's anything that seems to make it worse (i.e. rain, heat etc) and so far haven't figured anything out.

I will give the reset a go and see if it makes any difference, but like yours, mine seems to work intermittently and when it doesn't I just manually push it down.

Any idea what a non-warranty switch replacement might be worth?

Wags


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Hi wags,

Thanks for sharing your experience. Sounds like we're in the same boat.

I've done a quick search on the net regarding replacement, but haven't found anything as yet.

Seems to be a lot of parking brake switches though.

I'll put a query through VAG, and let you know what they quote.

By any chance, does anyone know if it's a possible DIY job for the non-technically minded?

Cheers,
Damo

[damo_t]

R36 Wagon - Power Tailgate closing issues?

Update. I was able to source a new switch for $44. Funnily enough the tailgate has been working fine ever since. But I may just purchase it as a back up. Seems to be a decent price for OEM.

Cheers,
Damo

[wags]

Great work Damo. Do you have a part number?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[damo_t]

Great work Damo. Do you have a part number?

I'll post it once the part comes in for you. Looking at a couple of weeks, but will definitely update.

Cheers,
Damo