T6 Cali Ocean Tailgate Activator Pulsing but Fails to open.

[Doorbundle]

While cleaning the California today, I tried to open the tailgate, but it wouldn’t budge. Later as I was about to drive off, I heard a rhythmic pulsing from the lower tailgate area. The noise continued even after I switched off the engine, and the bottom of the tailgate moved slightly in sync with the pulse. I managed to move the handle slightly, which stopped the pulsing and made the tailgate close tightly. Since the van hadn’t been used for a while, I went for a drive thinking it might be due to low battery voltage. When I got home, reversed onto the drive, and stopped, entered the rear of the van via the sliding door to remove some kit, on sliding the bench seat forward the tailgate started pulsing again. By chance, I pressed it in and out at the same time, and it opened. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of closing it again, and now, despite several attempts, it remains stuck shut. I’ve seen other threads about tailgates not opening, but none match this situation. I want to avoid butchery so I’ve called VW Assist through the AA, but no technician is available to diagnose until Tuesday (Booked!). Has anyone else experienced anything similar, and if so, what was the eventual solution?
Thanks, Db.

 

[Doorbundle]

UPDATE: VW Assist technician attended as promised on Tuesday AM. Tailgate pulsing issues replicated and diagnosed but unable to repair electronically via the Laptop. Tailgate opened via Tech's Laptop, Chairbag partly unpinned and emergency release exposed and demonstrated. Tech's endoscope revealed water ingress to boot lid latching mechanism which is now when closed accessible if necessary over the rear bench seats, with a long finger. Latching Issue referred to VW Van Centre / Dealer under extended warranty. Sod's Law dictated that the Van Centre has no immediate workshop availability. Dealer will contact me after 19th May to book in for repair.

 

[Doorbundle]

UPDATE: VW Assist technician attended as promised on Tuesday AM. Tailgate pulsing issues replicated and diagnosed but unable to repair electronically via the Laptop. Tailgate opened via Tech's Laptop, Chairbag partly unpinned and emergency release exposed and demonstrated. Tech's endoscope revealed water ingress to boot lid latching mechanism which is now when closed accessible if necessary over the rear bench seats, with a long finger. Latching Issue referred to VW Van Centre / Dealer under extended warranty. Sod's Law dictated that the Van Centre has no immediate workshop availability. Dealer will contact me after 19th May to book in for repair.

UPDATE...Booked in for "Erm...2 Days", from June 15th.

 

[WelshGas]

UPDATE...Booked in for "Erm...2 Days", from June 15th.

2 days is usual as Dealerships only keep common parts on the shelf, filters etc. Everything else is ordered and delivered overnight.

 

[Doorbundle]

2 days is usual as Dealerships only keep common parts on the shelf, filters etc. Everything else is ordered and delivered overnight.

Thank you, WG, prior to the tailgate issue I also had the yellow coil light flash up with a yellow engine light, I found a lay by, stopped, switched off, gave it a minute or two & restarted, no lights showing, all this was noted, laptop diagnosed & reset by the attending VW Assist Tech, apparently 'Intake manifold issue', possible carbon build up. VW Tech reset the fault since when we have done 2 x 200 mile journeys at 60- 70mph motorway speeds, DPF has regenerated, there has been no recurrence of the warning lights.

 

[Doorbundle]

Latest, van went in for small service, MOT and VWFS Extended Warranty work on intake manifold and tailgate on 15th June, still there until at least Monday 22nd as dealer obtaining parts. Initially Acc to Dealer Rep VWFS only 'reluctantly' agreed to cover the intake manifold issue, but declined to cover the tailgate mechanism owing to 'Water ingress', and that to rectify would cost me £450 inc labour & VAT. I pointed out to the Dealer's Rep that my 'Plus' level of warranty cover specifically included water ingress to electrical and mechanical parts.
Sent the dealer my Confirmation of Cover and the Warranty Booklet via Email, pointing out the Plus level of cover.
Dealer Rep came back by phone within minutes to say that VWFS would cover the Tailgate work.
Hardly enough time to read my Email, contact VWFS and phone me. To be continued.........

 

[Doorbundle]

Latest, van went in for small service, MOT and VWFS Extended Warranty work on intake manifold and tailgate on 15th June, still there until at least Monday 22nd as dealer obtaining parts. Initially Acc to Dealer Rep VWFS only 'reluctantly' agreed to cover the intake manifold issue, but declined to cover the tailgate mechanism owing to 'Water ingress', and that to rectify would cost me £450 inc labour & VAT. I pointed out to the Dealer's Rep that my 'Plus' level of warranty cover specifically included water ingress to electrical and mechanical parts.
Sent the dealer my Confirmation of Cover and the Warranty Booklet via Email, pointing out the Plus level of cover.
Dealer Rep came back by phone within minutes to say that VWFS would cover the Tailgate work.
Hardly enough time to read my Email, contact VWFS and phone me. To be continued.........

Cali was returned on Saturday 21st Jun after MOT (No Advisories), I asked and was told that VWFS were initially reluctant to replace the intake manifold as they claimed (Sight unseen) that at such a low (Under 25,000 )mileage, that the issue was due to soot build up through slow driving! VW Techs dismantled the manifold & photgraphed it proving that the 'Swirl Flap'? was defective after which VWFS covered the fault. Once the 'Plus' status of the warranty cover was explained to VWFS they also covered the tailgate mechanism Lift Catch, the seal of which had perished allowing water ingress, without question. Both issues were covered under the one £250 Excess charge. Phew!
MOT £54, 5 days insurance for the Caddy that I borrowed, £75.
Re the loan Caddy with a full rear bulkhead.......Quite peppy 2.0litre Diesel and the quietest motor I've ever driven. At 6'4" with the driver's seat and steering wheel at max suitable adjustment I couldn't hear anything as my knees were in my ears!
Should be called the Caddy Claustrophobia.
Thinks, why do VW fit an auto dipping internal rear view mirror to a van with a full rear bulkhead and no rear windows? Digital Dash too. Strange.
The Saga.....All's well that ends well.