FYI: I've just suffered the problem in HJ's Car By Car Breakdown' for Golf IV's; the rear window wash wipe has leaked and caused the ecu to believe that the tailgate is open, thus causing the alarm to go off (most inconveniently at 4am!)
VW dealer has commented that VW will not meet warranty claims if VAG screen cleaner not used, so be warned (I've had the car for 60k miles/18months (now 86k)and have used Halfords double concentrated throughout before this has occured).
They refitted the tube and replaced the microswitch in the tailgate switch - but the alarm has gone off again tonight...
JohnM
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The tailgate microswitch may have been replaced (part of latch)but what is the condition of the 3-pin connector that plugs into it .Usually the water causes the pins to corrode thus giving poor contact.As for this tale of the VW screen wash, do you have to use VW approved water!!!
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Update: replacement micro switch has benn diagnosed as faulty and replaced foc.
Handbook and VW screenwash bottle stipulate that VW Screenwash (which contains water softeners) must be used for fan-type washer jets to avoid them blocking. (Rear washer is not fan-type)
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John
You have got me worried now! I have a 99 IV GTI the rear washer hasn't worked for quite a while. Only been a problem in the last couple of weeks. I assumed it was just blocked! i also have been using Halfords screen wash for the last 2 years. How do you tell if it is leeking rather than just being blocked? Can you see the fluid coming out near the tailgate lock? have you any tricks with unblocking?
Mart
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I had noticed a smell of washer fluid over the last week, but had assumed that one of the '3 for 2' bottles of Halfords double concentrate screenwash I'd bought 10 days ago had leaked. When the tailgate started playing up, I remembered the entry in HJ's Car-by car breakdown and then noticed that the under-edge of the tailgate was wet/had water marks around by the catch.
(I've used Halfords' screeenwash throughout the 155k life of the '97 Passat (with fan jets) with no problems, touch wood!).
The rear jet was not totally blocked, it was still reaching 2/3rds up the screen. The rear jet is not a fan type, so a pin would be my starting instrument for unblocking... Note also in car-by-car that if pipe comes adrift higher up, it'll stain the headlining (I don't think the Golf is the only car that applies to!)
John
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