Rear door won't open

hello,

My friend has an A3, and the rear hatch won't open! I've tried all the key tricks, but nothing works. Her trusted Audi partner suggested drilling a hole, but not where?

Best regards.
zipzilla

'cannot be opened anymore' If the key no longer fits in the lock, the locking mechanism cannot be activated, or is the tailgate simply 'stuck' despite the preceding symptoms?

Best regards,
Thorsten.

hello,
You can turn the key in the lock, lock it, etc., but the tailgate won't open. It's as if the mechanism inside, behind the paneling, is broken or something.


Best regards.
zipzilla

...one would need to access the lock mechanism. Checked a Ford Focus, manufactured in July 1998.
Fold down the rear seat and remove the shelf.
There is a recessed handle in the tailgate, and inside this recess are two Phillips head screws.
Remove the screws and then gently pull on the grip indentation.
The plastic part is just clipped in, so it should be removable.
Now, with some maneuvering and a flashlight, it should be possible to unlock the lock.

Best regards, Rainer.

hello rainer k.,
but you also can't explain where exactly the Audi wants to drill a hole.
and what about any possible goodwill arrangements in this case? the car is 5 years old!


Best regards,
zipzilla

Hmm, I have no idea, I wouldn't drill anything there.

Best regards, Rainer.

hello rainer,

And what do you think about goodwill arrangements? I mean, shouldn't they still be compensated to some extent, especially if Audi wants to 'drill a hole' (i.e., cause financial damage) in the process?

Best regards.
zipzilla

Hi, I don't think Audi will be very interested in what I think.
Either you negotiate to have the entire thing repaired for free, or I won't accept holes in the cover due to paint and rust. Otherwise, you can remove the two Phillips head screws and pull on the inner panel to see what's going on.

Best regards, Rainer.

hello,

Okay, I will do that. Thank you very much for the information.

Best regards.
zipzilla