Trunk Release: How to Open Your Car Trunk

Hello everyone,

"I'm having a problem with the tailgate on my Golf III Variant TDI, manufactured in 1996. It won't open anymore. Something must have come loose. How can I unlock the tailgate so I can open it and repair the mechanism?"

Best regards, Diro.

Hello.
Does the trunk even open? Have you tried putting the key in and manually unlocking it? Otherwise, you're in a tough spot; taking the trim off with the trunk closed will be difficult.

robert

Hello Robert,

The central locking system isn't working, and the tailgate also can't be opened with the key. Something must be disconnected.

Regards,

Diro.

Well then,
If you have the opportunity to borrow an identical vehicle, you can remove the trim and get a better understanding of the locking mechanism. Then, from the cargo area, drill a suitable hole through the plastic trim and use a bicycle spoke to unlock it. Otherwise, the only option is to saw a slightly larger hole and, through this action, figure out and unlock the lock. You probably lost the short connecting piece that is secured with the white clips. I wouldn't try to work through the license plate holder from the outside – it's also made of ABS plastic. Unless your junkyard dealer has a spare part at a good price.

Good luck!
robert