How to REPLACE ELECTRIC STRUT / SERVOMOTOR / HALL SENSOR on Škoda Octavia, WV, Audi, Seat

How to fix Škoda's fifth door if it does not want to open or if it does not rise to its position?

Chances are, the issue with the hatch not opening is that one of the gas struts (servomotors) which manipulate the tailgate and then subsequently hold it open is busted.

This could happen due to dirt or extreme coldness or of course some electrical failure.

If you run OBD2 dignostics on your car, you might for example get something like this:

00017 [0x000011] Archive (inactive)
B121102: Hall sensor in motor 1 for rear hatch, Signal error
Hallsensoren im Motor 1 für Heckklappe Signalfehler
B154529: Locking mechanism button in the rear lid, Implausible signal
Rear lid lock and saving button in luggage compartment Implausible signal
Status bits: 1
Priority: 3
Frequency: 254
Unlearning index: 40
Odometer: 122260 km
Date, time: 2023.03.04 21:04:18
Status: Confirmed
----------------------------
00019 [0x000013] Archive (inactive)
B120A02: Hall sensor in motor 2 for rear hatch, Signal error
Hallsensoren im Motor 2 für Heckklappe Signalfehler
B11DA13: Rear lid motor 2, Open circuit
Motor 2 for rear lid Open circuit
Status bits: 1
Priority: 3
Frequency: 254
Unlearning index: 40
Odometer: 122260 km
Date, time: 2023.03.04 21:04:18
Status: Confirmed
----------------------------
Basically, telling you that the Hall sensors in both strut motors are busted.

If the door opens at least a little then perhaps only one servomotor is broken and the other cannot do the entire job by itself. An easy way to tell is to unhook one from the electric circuit and see if the door opens. If the door moves a little, then that is your broken strut. If nothing happens, then plug it back in and repeat with the other.

And which strut to buy for your trunk? Well, there is usually a number on the strut itself which indicates if it is left or right. I was replacing the left strut on Skoda Octavia III and for me the numbers would be
5E9 827 851 B 02S (this is the left)
5E9 827 851 A 02S (this is the right)
5E9 827 852 B 02S
5E9 827 852 A 02S

I assume, the similar technique can be used on Volkswagen, Audi, Seat or any other car which has electric struts holding up its boot.

If you have a car which has normal struts without any electricity, the task is quite cheap and simple (under 100 EUR/USD for both of them). Just take the struts off and replace them with new ones. No need for a mechanic.

However, if you have electric gas struts this endeavor becomes quite expensive. One strut can be 300 EUR/USD and then the hourly rate of an auto mechanic, so you might be looking at a 100 EUR/USD job. And to top it off, they will usually recommend for you to exchange both, so now you are at 700+ EUR/USD.

What I would suggest instead, call up your local junk yard and see if they have a spare strut from some wrecked car. Chances are they might. And then just replace it yourself. It only takes an hour or so.

One fun fact, if your Hall sensor is busted, it could also lead to the door not locking properly. The strike plate at the bottom of the tailgate will not seal the door, so it will rattle. Once you replace both electrical struts on your Skoda, then it will magically start working again.

You will need a broom stick to hold the tailgate from falling on top of your head and then a normal and small screwdriver.

It is simple,
- just unhook the electricity from inside the boot
- loosen or remove the metal clasps that hold the strut in place
- take out the strut and replace it with a new one

Easy as pie. So, if your trunk won't open, you know what to do. Have fun and if you do have any questions, do not hesitate to ask in the comments below.

🛠 Contents of this video 🛠
• 0:00 - Hatch not rising and holding
• 0:20 - What tools are needed
• 0:30 - Prop up the door with the broom
• 0:40 - Get at the wires
• 0:50 - Unhook the wiring
• 1:10 - Take out the faulty strut
• 1:50 - Replace the new strut
• 2:30 - Attach the wires back in place
• 2:30 - Put the cover back on
• 3:15 - Voila! Fixed 5th door opening. Yay

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⭕ #skoda #hatch #tailgate #trunk #servomotor #carfix #boot #carproblem #diy #octavia