I have a 98 Octavia hatch and use the key to operate the central locking, I have a problem in that the boot won't lock.

It won't lock on the key or the central locking.

It shuts ok but the tooth sort of thing that grips the fixed bar to keep it shut seems to have no spring back action (Just let me me know if i'm getting too technical for you).

Just wondered if anyone has had this problem and had a solution.

Cheers

Probably the solenoid has given up, quite common.

Either that or its too stiff to operate.

Thanks for the suggestion, do you know where it is located and if it can be replaced/repaired easily ??? cheers.

You need to take off the rear inner hatch panel which is the hardest part of the operation, it pulls down, getting it back up is tricky (mis quote engine running).

You can easily see the rear lock mech inside once you pull out the white plastic trim guard (if it has it, most are binned). Try popping off the rod that connects the solenoid, if it all moves freely then its more than likely the solenoid at fault, if it feels tight (or the lock does with the key from the outside) lube it up with WD40.

Thanks for the advice Ross, much appreciated, I'll have a go when I can

I use the boot a lot so I would think it will be the solenoid. With the car being on the key (not remote central locking) I do use it in the boot lock fairly often so it is unlikley to stick.

Any tips for removing the plasitc without smashing it to bits ? And i'm guessing the solenoid is just a case of unplug/unscrew/bolt and the reverse.

Cheers for the help.

With the tailgate trim I usually start at the back edge and pull it down, then with a long screwdriver try and get into the clips and edge them out.

Or you can hope for the best and give it a good tug, sometimes works (mis quoting engine revving up ).

Solenoid is held in with two screws.

Cheers again I'll let you know if it end in tears

Its a long process repairing this boot solenoid with the weather we are having.

Anyway I have removed the panel and plastic cover and exposed the mechanism, checked it and wd40'ed. The mechanism is free enough and when you turn the key it pulls on the solenoid so must be that.

One question for Ross if your still listening or anyone who can contribute, where can a buy the solenoid from, is it a main dealer part only, I tried Europarts and they don't stock it ??? How much is it ???

Cheers

I'll get a price for you tomorrow Simon.

Ross

Cheers Ross.