A3 Tailgate electrics Fault

[cntech1962]

Hi All!
I have a strange problem which started last week, after opening the tailgate I tried to close it and it wouldn't lock. I got it to lock via the key fob, but after this:

1. On locking with the fob the lights no longer flash, ok on unlocking.
2. The alarm led in the windscreen no longer flashes.
3. The rear wiper and washer doesn't work, heated rear screen is ok.
4. The tailgate open button on the key fob works, but on closing the tailgate, the central locking works but no indicator flash.
5. The Tailgate open indicator on the dash is on all the time.

I have checked all the fuses which are ok, I am thinking a relay has gone as a number of things are affected in the tailgate area.
Anybody have any ideas?
Thanks

 

[jimmp]

Hi cntech,

I've had quite a lot of problems with my tailgate and it all came down to ingress of water into the release switches above the number plate. From your avatar, it looks like you're in a post '93 car which I'm not familiar with but on my '01 water went upwards into the rubber release buttons and although the microswitches are waterproof the wiring connector wasn't.the LED

The cable colours on mine were red/blue & yellow/red and I removed the offending switch and connector (which had gone green with mould) drilled out the epoxy sealed body and replaced the wiring. The LEDs don't flash if the car doesn't see all the doors as closed and it must think the boot it open. The alternative is a microswitch in the tailgate lock mechanism...

JimP

 

[NHN]

Get it scanned with vagcom as this will no doubt show any errors thrown up by the convenience module.

Is there any damp areas in the boot, tail gate etc as the rear washer pipe my have come unhooked & soaked some parts & also the convenience module is also located in the boot area on the right side behind a side trim, speculative advise based on your reports atm.

Just to be clear, are you saying the lock works on the tailgate or doesnt, also does the fob bootlid button work to open the tailgate?

 

[cntech1962]

Hi NHN
the lock works on the tailgate and the fob as well but there is a fault as stated above, I did have a problem with the jet on the rear wash wipe being blocked solid, maybe water has been going elsewhere when the reverse pressure pushed it. After cleaning it was fine but water may have escaped into the tailgate area, though that was at least four months ago.
what is vagcom is it a specialist diagnostics program?