C5 estate 2003. Tailgate window not un-latching.

[samjmann]

Hi everyone,

The tailgate window won't unlatch using the switch built into the tailgate wiper housing. The solenoid that releases the catch can be moved manually and the window pops up. I remember reading a long time back that there is no command comming from the small release switch. apparently this is caused by a broken copper 'track' on the rear window itself.

Has anyone any experience of this? Replacing the rear screen for this seems a bit expensive to me!

Any help/advice would be very much appreciated.

Regards, samjmann.

[myglaren]

Common problem that can be rectified with a bit of wire, a soldering iron and some black tape.
There is a very good guide. If I can find it I'll drop a link in here.

[samjmann]

Hi myglaren

Thanks for your reply, I was sure I've read this one before. It'll be great if you can find that link.

Thanks again,
samjmann.

[myglaren]

Here we are.
Be warned that it is a .pdf but not a very large one.
http://users.skynet.be/sky83161/sven/openingc5.pdf

I had mine done by an auto electrician while he regassed mine and my son's cars aircon systems.

[cachaciero]

Could be the wiring but equally the switch switch actuating mechanism isn't very clever had both fail on mine.

Before tackling the wiring best to get to the plug which connects to the switch disconnecting this and playing with wire jumper to eliminate the switch is a good start.

cachaciero

[samjmann]

Hi myglaren and cachaaero,

Thanks for sending me all the info. I only discovered that the window latch wasn't working when after an MOT, I was told the high level brake light was dead! I've repaired the LED unit ( see my recent posts on this), so I thought I'd have a go at the solenoid too.

Apparently if the high level light is dead it'll 'pass', but if less than 40% of the LED's are working, it's a 'fail'. So on my car it passed because the whole unit was dead! Strange...

Thanks again, I'll have a look tomorrow.

Regards, samjmann.

[john alexander]

Hi I used the info on this forum to fix mine , I used super glue to stick the wire to the screen instead of the tape , just attached the wire in stages then ran the glue along the wire / screen join . If you watch CSI you'll know that dried superglue goes whiteish so I painted it over with matt black paint. I think it looks less noticeable than the tape but each to their own. John.

[Muggle]

I had a go at this fix without success - anyone know how to test the solenoid electrics?

[cachaciero]

Easiest way is with a Lexia which will check out the switch and the solenoid latch. Failing that you will have to remove the tailgate liner to give you access to the solenoid and switch wiring. Both the switch and the Solenoid wires end up in the BSI so it's not totally impossible that the fault could lie within the BSI again a Lexia is needed for checking this out. However I would bet it is the switch and the problem could be mechanical or electrical. Dismantling the switch / wiper assembly would be the quickest wau of checking it.