This morning I opened the tailgate as usual to hear water rushing through it which came out on the nearside between the inner main boot panel and the trim around the window (i.e. at the base of the window) then dripped into the boot area. This is after it stood overnight in the rain so it suggests it's a leak rather than a split/disconnected tailgate washer hose.

I've tried taking the main panel off and although I've loosened the entire length of the base and pulled it off about 40mm (so as to be able to see the clips) the length along the bottom edge of the window won't budge.

I think I've confirmed it's not the washer since operating it now and looking through the gap reveals no liquid - so it must be a leak into the tailgate somehow?

The closest to a photo I can find is an Octavia topic which suggests if the designs the same there are further similar spring clips along that edge too - but how to release them? Ideas please...

Update - I've managed to release the centre clips at the top of the main panel by pulling the bulge around the wiper - but the pillar ends refuse to budge. Are there perhaps some hidden screws there or do I just carry on pulling - or do I have to take the panel at the top of the window off and loosen the side window trims to get the main bottom panel off properly?

It just unclips - be brave!

Summary of components of trim panels of tailgate

1 - Tailgate

2 - Insert nut

3 - Opening for pull loop

4 - Trim panel of tailgate

removing:

– Pull off trim panel of tailgate.

Installing:

– Correctly insert retaining clips.

– Insert tailgate trim panel in left → Item and right → Item trim panel.

– Clip trim panel into tailgate.

5 - Screw

6 - Pull loop

must be pulled through opening → Item when installing trim panel → Item

7 - Buffer

8 - Trim panel right

removing:

– remove trim panel in the middle → Item.

– Pull off trim panel.

Installing:

– Correctly insert retaining clips.

– Clip right trim panel into tailgate.

replace if damaged

9 - Centre trim panel

removing:

– Pull off trim panel.

Installing:

– Correctly insert retaining clips.

– Clip centre trim panel into tailgate.

replace if damaged

10 - Trim panel left

removing:

– remove trim panel in the middle → Item.

– Pull off trim panel.

Installing:

– Correctly insert retaining clips.

– Clip left trim panel into tailgate.

replace if damaged

That's very useful thanks

Brief instructions "Pull off trim panel of tailgate" !!!

I know this thread is very old but I'm having to remove the same panel myself and wondered how much welly you gave the panel when trying to pull it open. Can't seem to get any of the clips loose and am only able to prise off the panel, just petrified of snapping the panel itself of damaging the clips!

you should be able to pull it off. i find a flat blade screwdriver works wonders if yoru careful. there is no escaping the fact that no matter how you do it, it will always look brutal. thats just how trim panels are on cars

Thanks fletch,

As soon as it stops peeing down, I'll have another crack at it with a bit more elbow grease.