We sometimes find we are unable to open the boot. When you pull the handle you normally hear a click and the electric lock unfastening. Occasionally this doesn't happen. Locking and unlocking the car using the key fob doesn't make any difference.

We did have a repair on the boot a couple of years ago after someone with a bike rack reversed into it. Is it possible something done in the repair has come loose?

How do you access the handle switch please and any ideas how to fix the problem?

('66' plate)

Check that the rubber seals aren't sticking to the hatch - my Mk3 trunk sometimes sticks shut in hot weather, when it does this, it feels like it hasn't unlocked but a heaver pull breaks the seal.

Try a rubber seal conditioner like Gummi Pflege (cannot swear on spelling for second word) Other seal conditioners are available.

I have had that problem, but the current issue is there's no sound of the lock mechanism opening when you pull the handle.

I've had a look inside the boot and there's what looks like a removable panel below the wiper motor bulge, but I can't see how it comes off. There's one screw for the rubber pull and I've undone that but nothing else seems to want to move.

Take a search cruise through the forum, I'm sure I've seen some posts on removal of tailgate lining panel.

I have a slight recollection that it requires good trim removal tools and a fair bit of force! - the C-pillar trims are bad enough, and I chickened-out with the A-pillar ones!

Edited 17 May17 May by Warrior193
added information

Sounds like a typical broken wire where the body meets the tailgate. So check the wiring harness inside the rubber grommet.