Had to replace my trunk release solenoid

[S4Bennett]

For the last 3 months, the release switch started intermittently failing to open the trunk whether it be by using the key fob or the switch above the license plate.

I ended up taking it apart and identifying the release solenoid as the culprit. The new part was $41.11 + $9.50 S&H from GAP. A week later the part arrived and it took about 20 minutes to replace.



I thought I could follow the procedure: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ty-Trunk-Latch

But, the steps weren't the same for my 2004 S4 saloon. The latch was also different and not interchangeable. It appears that the newer latches have the release solenoid built into the latch. In my car, the units are separate.























Couple of different views of the latch as a reference when you put it back together.




Removing the solenoid












New on the left, old on the right. Transfer the bracket using a T25 torx driver.




After this, it all goes back together. The orientation of the metal rod was a little confusing since it's not keyed on either end. Once I got the ends in the right orientation, it worked out fine. The metal rod snaps into the solenoid first then you snake it through the trunk bracing to the latch.

All together, it's probably a 35-45 minute job your first time and 20 minutes if you've done it before.

[TarlCabot]

Awsome DIY, thanks for taking the time to do this :)

[James777]

This will come in handy in the next few weeks!!

James

[Terry.Reese]

I have one of those for sale for 20 plus shipping. http://www.ebay.com/itm/272566729145...84.m1586.l2649

[caliizaktiv]

Nice write up. I replaced my actuator due to no longer being able to trigger it with the remote. Unfortunately, even after replacing mine, it still doesn't work. I hit the button on the key and the only things that happens is my plate bulbs dim.

[gcoy]

Thanks for the write up. Nicely done. I so need to do this on my rear hatch.

[Lucca M]

Just make sure before you replace solenoid that you are getting good ground to it. I had the same issue and it came out to be a broken ground wire in the flex strip