locking tab on trim door in tailgate covering emergency equipment.

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Feb 10, 2004 | 08:31 AM

Rhoomba

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locking tab on trim door in tailgate covering emergency equipment.

I just noticed that the door covering the emergency warning triangle on the tailgate has started to come open from time to time.

Upon closer inspection, it seems that the thin plastic tab that forms the locking mechanism has failed (looks like it was folded by being closed improperly). I could probably fix it by adding a stiffeng plate to the plastic tab, but then I'd have to remill the opening that the tab slots into... better to go OEM for this, I think, so I called my dealer and they said they're happy to warranty me a new panel door.

(shrug)

Anyone else had this little piece go awry on them?

-Rhumble
'01 allroadier
'98 viffer

Feb 10, 2004 | 09:20 AM

RMcQ

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Yes. And you don't need a whole panel door.

On mine the tab broke that holds the warning triangle mini-hatch closed. Not sure why, I just noticed it flopping around one day. 2 minutes with trusty ETKA CD and 2 more minutes on <a href="www.vwparts.com">vwparts.com</a> and I have the part and a $2.74 line item on my AmEx bill. The part is item 12b in the diagram below.

<img src="http://mywebpages.comcast.net/ryanjen1/allroad/hatch_latch.jpg"><ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/allroad/msgs/57899.phtml">A post of mine from September</a></li></ul>

Feb 10, 2004 | 09:35 AM

LMLPar

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Mine also failed

My 2001 had the same problem.

My solution was to insert a nut (or any other piece of metal) into the opening, forcing the 2 plastic sides away from each other. The nut I put in has been there for over 2 years now without any issues.

I took a picture, but I don't know how to upload. Sorry!

Hope this helps!

Feb 10, 2004 | 10:13 AM

ShowMeData

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Dealer replaced my whole inner panel - warranty.

The door wouldn't stay on because the little clips that hold the hinge bar were broken. Took them 2 tries on the parts, because I have the 3rd seat and they got the wrong inner pannel (without grab handle) the 1st time.

I suspect it broke because the liftgate cylinders are too weak - the door really slams if you let it go from more than ~30 degrees open.

Feb 10, 2004 | 11:27 AM

Belmont

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me too, dealer replaced latch free at 32800 miles

Feb 10, 2004 | 12:46 PM

MachineMan

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New car on the dealers lot had a broken one !

Feb 10, 2004 | 01:04 PM

Stinky J. Sock

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Mine broke. But it was with the hinges, not the locking tab.

Twice I asked the dealer to fix but both times they failed. Now it has completely come off. Waiting until next service appointment for them to replace.