Passat 3C: Fix wavy, loose tailgate rubber (Articles)

Translated on 25-09-2026, 3:10.

Problem

Suddenly, instead of pressing on a smooth surface behind the rubber, you're pressing on "bumps" when you activate the microswitch lock of the current variant model. These bumps can appear on one side or (it feels like) across the entire surface.

Cause and quick resolution

The "knubbel" are the two hooks on the rubber seal that seal the key area and the microswitch. These hooks are designed to keep the rubber as close as possible to the key area.
The touchpad is covered in a thick layer of grease, which appears to be damaging the rubber. This causes it to become wavy, and the hooks that hold it in place come loose from behind the touchpad – making them accessible.
[img]/download.php?id=2986[/img]

It should be quite easy to massage the hooks back into place behind the keycap if you know what it looks like inside.

Since I didn't know any of that, I had to remove the rear door trim.

Remove the tailgate trim

It is also advantageous, or even necessary, to know exactly where the clips are located, which should ideally be opened with a clip removal tool (e.g., VW 3392 or Hazet 799-4).

(1) Remove 2 screws from the handle recesses.
[img]/download.php?id=2990[/img]

(2) 2 screws behind the warning triangle.
[img]/download.php?id=2989[/img]

(3) Now, open as many of the clips as possible using the pliers. I couldn't get the four inner ones open; I had to pry them open by pulling on the housing.
[img]/download.php?id=2991[/img]

(3b) The six outer clips can be much more easily opened if you remove the inner taillights.
[img]/download.php?id=6630[/img]
[img]/download.php?id=6631[/img]

(4) The "fummelei" is the connection to the window frame. It consists of a latch and a bolt next to it; when both are open, it allows you to pull the trim away from the window.
[img]/download.php?id=2988[/img]
[img]/download.php?id=2987[/img]

(5) The rest is straightforward: unscrew the handle assembly, unclip the mudguard, and peel off the rubber.
[img]/download.php?id=2984[/img]

I washed the rubber and removed the grease from the areas where it doesn't serve a purpose and only affects the rubber.

When assembling, mark the position of the clips on the visible side of the trim with tape. This way, you'll know where to push the clips into the panel.

Passat 3C: Fix wavy, loose tailgate rubber
dieselmartin 06-04-2008, 12:01
Problem Suddenly, instead of pressing on a smooth surface behind the rubber, you're pressing on "bumps" when you activate the microswitch lock of the current variant model. These bumps can appear on one side or (it feels like) across the entire surface. Cause and quick resolution The "knubbel" are the two hooks on the rubber seal that seal the key area and the microswitch. These hooks are designed to keep the rubber as close as possible to the key area. The touchpad is covered in a thick layer of grease, which appears to be damaging the rubber. This causes it to become wavy, and the hooks that hold it in place come loose from behind the touchpad – making them accessible. [img]/download.php?id=2986[/img] It should be quite easy to massage the hooks back into place behind the keycap if you know what it looks like inside. Since I didn't know any of that, I had to remove the rear door trim. Remove the tailgate trim It is also advantageous, or even necessary, to know exactly where the clips are located, which should ideally be opened with a clip removal tool (e.g., VW 3392 or Hazet 799-4). (1) Remove 2 screws from the handle recesses. [img]/download.php?id=2990[/img] (2) 2 screws behind the warning triangle. [img]/download.php?id=2989[/img] (3) Now, open as many of the clips as possible using the pliers. I couldn't get the four inner ones open; I had to pry them open by pulling on the housing. [img]/download.php?id=2991[/img] (3b) The six outer clips can be much more easily opened if you remove the inner taillights. [img]/download.php?id=6630[/img] [img]/download.php?id=6631[/img] (4) The "fummelei" is the connection to the window frame. It consists of a latch and a bolt next to it; when both are open, it allows you to pull the trim away from the window. [img]/download.php?id=2988[/img] [img]/download.php?id=2987[/img] (5) The rest is straightforward: unscrew the handle assembly, unclip the mudguard, and peel off the rubber. [img]/download.php?id=2984[/img] I washed the rubber and removed the grease from the areas where it doesn't serve a purpose and only affects the rubber. When assembling, mark the position of the clips on the visible side of the trim with tape. This way, you'll know where to push the clips into the panel. Transparency, Teamwork ... there was another T. I don't know what the f*ck it was. Translated on 25-09-2026, 3:10.

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