Hi,

1990 Mk2, boot lock has ceased to work and is currently locked.

I have the original VW key and two spares - none will work.

I have access through the car - can I unlock it without a hammer?

K

Pop the boot trim off and you should be able to flick the lever forwards with a screwdriver. Take a picture down inside the boot lid with your phone and you'll see how it works easy enough.

If the key isn't turning in the lock, it's probably a worn pin, they can be rebuild but it's a bit of an arse.

Many thanks Yeti.

If its possible to unlock rather than just open that would be great as I could present it for an MoT then.

Can only find expensive replacement locks so far.

Will have a quick go with WD40 and a 'pick first in case its just a worn or jammed tumbler but it feels fairly solid and I can feel an undignified clamber into the boot approaching...

You can take the lock out. Open the boot and you'll see a bolt or screw on the bottom that goes up into the lock. Then you just have to remember to reverse up to a wall or something when you Park.

There's no reason a boot that doesn't open should fail mot though, only one that doesn't latch shut.

Hi Yeti,

Suppose its the local MoT testers choice.

I'm out of MoT and restricted to who I can use.

He will not accept the vehicle for testing if the boot cannot be opened.

He belives he cannot inspect the suspension mountings etc by crawling over the folded rear seat.

I could suggest he loses some weight but he might mention the pot,kettle and a dark lack of colour!

The lock barrel is both the lock and the release button - if unlocked, I just push the button to open it. If I can find a way of getting it into this state then I've won.

If I remove the lock - will the boot still latch securly closed? (not locked but just firmly closed).

If so, can I attach a pull cord or something to open the boot? (in place of pushing the now removed lock barrell)

My Tester wants the boot open for a test and the manual requires the boot door is secure when closed - might be pushing it a bit to ask the tester to tie it down when he has finished but I think he will agree to me submitting the car with the boot open and him closing it (to test it stays firmly closed) when he has finished inspecting.

Thanks

Tell the fat fucker to look at the suspension mounts from underneath, or ask him how he'd do the on a car that has them in the rear quarters behind trim. The manual says the boot has be be secure when closed, it doesn't say it has to open. How much more secure can you get than a boot you can't open even if you've got the key?

So long as you need to do something in terms of pressing or turning or whatever to open the boot, versus just pulling it, it's secure, so sticking his finger in the hole and pressing the release lever should be fine. If he takes the piss about it, just take the boot lid off and nail the numberplate to a stick in the boot in front of the lights.

You don't have to go to your nearest MOT station, even if you haven't got an MOT. There is someone on here who, after checking with the DVLA, and getting their written blessing, took a car from Brecon to a pre-booked MOT in Derby.

Hi Yeti,

Prefer to stay local for the MoT - I've just rebuilt the head, cleaned carb, replaced fuel lines, drive shafts, rear bearings...

History suggests I’ve made at least one mistake and I’d rather find out close to home (or at least close to the home of the person whose garage is going to look very empty with out my Polo in it).

"so sticking his finger in the hole and pressing the release lever should be fine" - if I can remove the barrell and open the boot this way then its problem solved.

After asking on an MoT forum.....

Introduction. 2g in the manual. Door tailgate boot engine cover. Etc. can't be opened, it's a refusal to test.

After about an hour, managed to open lock with half a can of WD40 and a lock pick made from an old hacksaw blade.

MoT passed.

Need to fill lock with oil as any usefull lube will have been washed out by the WD40.

Thanks