If my B6 Avant sits for a while (2-4 hours) in the hot summer sun, the hatch won’t open and the DIS says it’s not latched. If I drive it for 20-30 minutes it opens fine. Any ideas?
Perhaps a failing latch, it’s a pretty common issue.
Which part of the latch is failing? Electrical or mechanical?
From the few cases I have seen it seems like the electrical side is the issue and if it gets too hot the electronics dont want to work right. The other thing that points to the electronic side is that your getting a signal that the back isnt closed when it is. It sounds like mrwrong has an idea on what this might be so ill let him be the point man on this
I’d start with a mechanical part first, since it’s the cheapest to replace. However before you go and order a new latch, I suggest you take some WD40 and spray the hell out of it, see if it’ll do the trick. Your next item could be electric motor that is about to take a dump. Also, it might be a wiring issue, I’d check harness to make sure there are no exposed wires, especially in the area where it goes from the trunk into the body. Are you able to relplicate this issue when it’s not hot out at all?
Thanks for the info. I’ll be looking into it.
No. Only when it has been sun soaked for 2-3 hours.
One way to test it is to pull the back panel off and access the electrical release unit. Charge the line with no more then 5volts and see if that pops the actuator.
Sucks doesn’t it? Just wait until it gets stuck for frequently and it’ll get really frustrating.
The latch mechanism is the problem. They get sticky for whatever reason. The heat definitely makes it worse. I’ve found it gets worse in sub-freezing temps also. The part is like $95 and you just have to pull back the bottom half of the hatch panel to get to it.
I’m stubborn as hell and still haven’t taken the time/money to fix mine…altho I’ve done tons of other stuff in the meantime like pulling my motor twice in 2 months to do a timing service, then install headers
Do you have a part number for the part? Is electrical or mechanical?
4B9827505N
http://c1552172.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/119486_x600.jpg
I think it’s a bit of both. You hear it attempting to open but the latch won’t release. I think it’s the mechanical part that gets rusted or gummed up over years
Thanks BC. I needed that. I appreciate it!
Hey QIKRNU saw you at Mid Ohio Friday driving around the paddock. Car looks good! I tried to come find you and say hi but I got busy making sure Aarons TA2 car was ready for Saturday
Thanks. Wish I had known what car you were with: I was looking for your SM.
I had to work Saturday so I wasn’t able to race, plus I still need to finish painting the car. I ended up having Friday off so I came down with Aaron in the new camaro and mounted some tires for a couple other racers.
I’ll be down there this weekend for the Trans Am/NASCAR/PWC race weekend. Actually leaving tonight to go down.
Whens the next race you’ll be there?
Probably next August. Typically I park in the area between the concession stand and the rest rooms.
I’m currently in Monterey for the Motorsports Reunion.