Scorpion_1011

I'm writing this mostly for others who may have a similar issue.

Earlier this week my liftgate stopped closing properly. Normally, when the liftgate latch engages around the post of the striker plate the plate would then pull the gate the rest of the way shut. Mine would get to the bottom, lock, and then lift back up just slightly. I would then have to bump the gate to get it to completely shut/lock. It would open just fine. A little bit of troubleshooting led me to the fact that the striker plate was stuck in the closed position. It wasn't coming up/out when the gate opened so when the gate shut it wasn't able to fully engage and then wasn't being drawn the rest of the way down.

This morning I removed the trim plate (four very obvious torx screws and pull up). I discovered that the spring responsible for pulling the latch into the open position had broken.



powered striker plate


spring mount



broken spring

I gave my dealership a call and was informed that the spring itself isn't available... The complete unit (4F9827383G) is around 350 USD... ok then.

The hunt began.

I visited NAPA and they got me *really* close. As a matter of fact, the spring they gave me is currently on the car and working. That said, I don't think it's going to hold up. It's a slightly thinner gauge of wire and has a little less tension. I tried several other places in town and none had anything better *but* I did get eyes enough others to a better idea of what the proper specs are. I *think* the following is going to be about as close as I can find: 0.24" OD, 0.034" Wire Size, 1.37" Free Length. I found a pack of 10 for not too much (7 USD when I ordered it but went up to 25 USD now).



estimating the length of the spring at between 1.25" and 1.5"





It's my understanding that this same latch is used on a number of models with power lift gates with a number of different revisions: Allroad, A4, A6, Q3, Q7. I *think* some of the newer version may not use the spring. Obviously, for those that do, I'll have a few extra. If anyone needs one I'll be happy to mail them in the US at cost.

A6Gary

I believe the part that contains the spring is the gate lock, which is new part number 8P4-827-505-D (replaces 8P4-827-505-B), and sells for $126.48 at www.genuineauidparts.com. The updated part may have fix this spring breakage problem.

Scorpion_1011

Different part. That's the upper unit. It goes on the lift gate itself.