It seems that the trunk release on my 02 A6 is dying - or has died. The release has stopped working from either the in-car button or from the remote. I did the door key electronics re-set thing as suggested by the dealer but -- well, it's a good thing I have fold down seat backs.

Might the problem be anything other than the trunk release motor (which I assume will be pricey)?

 

There could also be a problem with the linkage. Do you hear the motor attempt to work when you hit the button? If you do you have a linkage issue. Otherwise you need a new motor.

 

Thanks. I hear the motor, but it sounds weaker than I remember. I hoping that your suggestion of a linkage problem may be it -- that sounds less expensive than a new motor.

 

Hmm, weak sounding motor. Thats kinda a toss up. Probably a bad motor, but the linkage could be binding causing the motor to strain which would make it quiter. Only way to know for sure is to pull the panel off and take a look.

 

I don't know if the A6 system is the same or if this will help, but I had a similiar issue on a MKIV Jetta. The motor pushed out a piston that turned a pivoted bracket that opened the trunk. The bracket was cracked at the point where the piston made contact. Replacing the bracket was very straight forward and the part was inexpensive through the VW dealer.

 

Its a similar type system.

 

Talk about egg on my face -- it turns out that it might have been helpful to have read the owners manual! I've had the car for 4 years and because I normally open the trunk remotely I didn't realize there are multiple positions on the key slot on the trunk itself. Apparently I must have turned it to the "D" postion which de-activates the remote operation.

A little embarrassment - but a small price to pay given the possibilty of having to do repairs.

Thanks for the input.