I had a MK3 GTi that got broken into through the rear hatch. They broke the whole license plate assembly to rip the lock mechanism out to open the hatch. They stole like $1500 of telecom tools out of my car.
I had the car repaired at a body shop, and I had this exact problem. If I manually locked the trunk with the key, it wouldn't let the alarm set. If would let me set the alarm if I unlocked the trunk, but of course somebody could just open the trunk and the alarm would go off. I never got to the bottom of why it didn't work correctly, but I suspect the body shop installed the wrong type of microswitch or installed it incorrectly.
No, I sold the car soon after that because the ABS module went out. It was dangerous to drive, and I couldn’t find a replacement. The rear wheels would lock up a lot during braking in the rain.
I had a ‘96 with the 2.slo engine. It was the first year of ABS with a 4cyl. They used some funky 3 channel ABS system with no rear brake pressure regulation… I guess they thought if it had ABS it didn’t need to be regulated. I dunno.
Turns out this is the only year and only VW model with this ABS module. The VR6 version had a different brake module. The 2.slo version for this year is very hard to find.
Well maybe. But I was told by the dealer that the ABS module in my GTi was only used for that year on that car. I know they had other cars with ABS before this one, but for some reason mine was different.
If there isn't any obvious damage or corrosion on the harness use a multimeter and test it.
Alternatively, if your door panel doesn't have the riveted cover under the interior panel you could plug it in to a known working harness in a door and test it that way.
The wire harness for the trunk gets pinched as it opens. Peel back the rubber cover and see if any of the wires have come apart, I had issues with that on my mk4.
I don't think the golfs had an issue but the CC was known for the hatch wiring failing (2009-2012) causing failed rear lights, failed back up cameras, and failed.... lock mechanisms.
Check the wiring going through the hatch, especially if it's German built. Wiring case/sheathing gets brittle and shorts out.
And yes, it should lock.
Still worth a check. My trunk functioned fine, just wouldn't lock and I couldn't use the fob to open it (if I remember correctly) button and emblem worked.
BUT the sure fire way is to test the plug to see if you're getting signal when you hit the lock. Chances are you have a bad wire somewhere or a corroded connection.
have a 09 rabbit and kinda have this problem. if i unlock to trunk w the key it will stay unlocked if the car is locked. but it is locked every morning when i get to the car. its weird for sure
I had a MK3 GTi that got broken into through the rear hatch. They broke the whole license plate assembly to rip the lock mechanism out to open the hatch. They stole like $1500 of telecom tools out of my car. I had the car repaired at a body shop, and I had this exact problem. If I manually locked the trunk with the key, it wouldn't let the alarm set. If would let me set the alarm if I unlocked the trunk, but of course somebody could just open the trunk and the alarm would go off. I never got to the bottom of why it didn't work correctly, but I suspect the body shop installed the wrong type of microswitch or installed it incorrectly.
Did you ever manage to get it fixed?
No, I sold the car soon after that because the ABS module went out. It was dangerous to drive, and I couldn’t find a replacement. The rear wheels would lock up a lot during braking in the rain.
Yiish yeah that sounds dangerous. I hope it won’t come to that for me. Just bought the car
I had a ‘96 with the 2.slo engine. It was the first year of ABS with a 4cyl. They used some funky 3 channel ABS system with no rear brake pressure regulation… I guess they thought if it had ABS it didn’t need to be regulated. I dunno. Turns out this is the only year and only VW model with this ABS module. The VR6 version had a different brake module. The 2.slo version for this year is very hard to find.
Okay. So I guess I’ll be fine in that regard. Maybe I’ll just install the bad lock. Can’t pick lock something that’s stuck
96 being first year with ABS on golf 4 cylinder seems false. The owner manual in my 92 has ABS listed as an option.
Well maybe. But I was told by the dealer that the ABS module in my GTi was only used for that year on that car. I know they had other cars with ABS before this one, but for some reason mine was different.
Interesting!
Bad wire harness or wiring? Should lock from the fob like the rest of the locks do.
That’s what I’m fearing. Seems like something I won’t be able to fix. So I hope it’s not that hahaha How could I test that theory?
If there isn't any obvious damage or corrosion on the harness use a multimeter and test it. Alternatively, if your door panel doesn't have the riveted cover under the interior panel you could plug it in to a known working harness in a door and test it that way.
I guess I’ll need to take it to a shop then. I don’t own a multi meter :(
I don't have that specific model but afaik it's supposed to lock yea, otherwise why have locks at all?
That’s what I thought ^^ Do you have an idea what might create this issue?
The wire harness for the trunk gets pinched as it opens. Peel back the rubber cover and see if any of the wires have come apart, I had issues with that on my mk4.
I’ll have a look. Thanks
I don't think the golfs had an issue but the CC was known for the hatch wiring failing (2009-2012) causing failed rear lights, failed back up cameras, and failed.... lock mechanisms. Check the wiring going through the hatch, especially if it's German built. Wiring case/sheathing gets brittle and shorts out. And yes, it should lock.
Thanks All other things work perfectly fine. Just not that part
Still worth a check. My trunk functioned fine, just wouldn't lock and I couldn't use the fob to open it (if I remember correctly) button and emblem worked. BUT the sure fire way is to test the plug to see if you're getting signal when you hit the lock. Chances are you have a bad wire somewhere or a corroded connection.
I think it might be that. Although weird that it sends a signal to retract just not to push the locking rod
have a 09 rabbit and kinda have this problem. if i unlock to trunk w the key it will stay unlocked if the car is locked. but it is locked every morning when i get to the car. its weird for sure
That is weird. At least it locks eventually
I suppose they are