My Octy Vrs was at the dealers getting some work done and the technician tried to get access to the boot but it wouldn't open.

The doors had been opened by the key fob but he needed the key in the lock to open it. He said that it's the actuator that is faulty, this needs replaced and they have put it on order.

I got the car back and it seems fine now, so not sure if its an intermittent fault or if its just decided to work now.

Is this a common fault with Octys made around 2001?

How much is this part likely to cost?

I don't knnow on price, but it could be cracked solder on some of the joints inside teh actuator. They would cost nothing or a few pence (eg a tiny amount of solder) to fix.

I think somebody posted about a door actuator on here.

It is common, part is about £10 - £15 - the plungers get to the end of their travel and jam. Once they have done this they will do it again.

I guess it's just a 10 min job to change over?????

Not that bad and quite easy, the worst part is removing and re-fitting the trim. I find it best to remove the centre one at the top of the tailagte first and then release the side two, then the main cover can come off. Whilst you are in there replace the two number plate lamp bulbs (501 capless type) as these become black with age and when you try to do it from the outside by removing the lenses you just end up pushing them into the tailgate.

I've noticed on my TDI that if you try the boot handle after it's been locked, it refuses to unlock 'centrally' the next time - so I don't do it. Fine again once it's been relocked once.

You could also try lubing anything obvious - nothing to lose!