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.