Trunk problems (posting here is getting old quick)

[iScott]

Went to open the ole trunk up today. Hit the button. Heard a louder-than-usual noise. Trunk didn't open. Kept trying. The actuator inside is working, but the latch isn't budging. Any ideas?

[Growler]

your actuator has split.. a very common issue on older bugs.

you need to get your hatch open (keyhole?) then get the plastic cover off the inside of the hatch. you need to use a zip tie to repair the split case of the actuator. the other option is to replace the actuator.

there is a post on the old forums detailing this procedure. you will need to use google to search on the old forums but I am sure you can find it using release and actuator and hatch in your search string.

good luck!

[iScott]

Hmmm...

I only have one key. And it doesn't fit in the rear lock.

[Oyveychris]

I'm not sure but maybe you could crawl into the trunk and take the hatch cover off to get at it while it's closed. It could be that the screws fell out and the thing is misaligned too. Good luck Scott.

[iScott]

Thanks for the input, duders.

I checked the price on some stuff. A lock is about 25 bucks. A lock cylinder is about 200. And I'm guessing the lock cylinder is the same thing as the actuator, no? And the motor is def. turning (something) when I hit the trunk release button.

[blue'99]

Originally Posted by iScott

Hmmm...

I only have one key. And it doesn't fit in the rear lock.

You mean all you've got is the valet key????
Did you aquire the car from a valet????

Earl

[bluebeetlebabe]

I only have one key too lol thats how they sold it to me

[blue'99]

Originally Posted by bluebeetlebabe

I only have one key too lol thats how they sold it to me

No, You made the mistake of buying it that way! Whoever sold it to you owes you both the correct keys, and an apology!
Earl

[iScott]

This is what I'm looking at. What can I do from here?

[GINA]

You can smack it with a hammer and hope that fixes it

[iScott]

Success!!!

As you can see in pic 3, the linkage between the actuator and the release is not connected. Just put a pull tie (like Aaron suggested) and it opened right up.

Thanks to Jose and Aaron for their help.

[Beetlescott]

Success!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[uk_beet]

Stoopid question, I'm sure... but what's a pull tie? I have this exact problem! Thanks.

[manoverboard987]

Originally Posted by uk_beet

Stoopid question, I'm sure... but what's a pull tie? I have this exact problem! Thanks.

also called zip ties...

[uk_beet]

Aha - thank you!

[iScott]

My zip tie didn't hold. I need a new linkage or something. It's messed up. Think I should take it to VW or could someone with half a brain look at it?

[manoverboard987]

did the metal pole snap off or did it just come unscrewed from the black plastic socket?

it might be as simple as screwing the metal rod back into the black part.

also, whatever you do, don't smack it with a hammer. all that plastic is brittle and especially if it's 9 years old.

[manoverboard987]

dont screw it in too tight or it won't have enough slack to close.

[niki]

Looks like all that junk in yo trunk gave ya some problems, eh?

[GINA]

Originally Posted by manoverboard987

also, whatever you do, don't smack it with a hammer. all that plastic is brittle and especially if it's 9 years old.

I was kidding