MK3 Boot Handle Staying Up

[The Daily Meme]

So I bought my MK3 in 2017 and the boot handle which is the SEAT badge on this one, used to stay open. I would have to push it back in to place whenever I used the boot.

This bugged me no end but I never investigated it. I assumed the spring had broken or there was something in the mechanism that was preventing it from falling back in to place.

Then one day it just started working again. I have absolutely no idea how or why it started working again. I thought I'd ask to see if anyone else has had the same issue and found a fix for it, just in case this happens again.

 

[Blaptastic]

Probably got dirt in it.
Maybe a swift squirt of WD will sort it out.

 

[C_ED_99]

Yes, I've got that issue, just out of warranty, the dealer said it needed a new handle (badge). So been making do with WD40.
If yours is a 17 plate it should be covered by warranty?

 

[SteveGSXR600K1]

Mine only does this around winter time around freezing temperatures, and sorts itself out if the day warms up. As yours is still under warranty, let SEAT worry about it.

 

[The Daily Meme]

Mine only does this around winter time around freezing temperatures, and sorts itself out if the day warms up. As yours is still under warranty, let SEAT worry about it.

Mines a 2014 car, Pre facelift.

As i said, it just started working again on its own. I had been washing it with a pressure washer so i think what it was, probably dirt under the mechanism. It never felt broken, just stiff.

 

[Mr Pig]

I've had the handle off and I know the skinny on this.

Basically, it's two bits of plastic, one inside the other. A hole goes through both and there is a steel rod through them for the inner bit to pivot on. Couldn't be simpler.

Two things happen. The rod rusts! It's open at the ends so water gets in. In winter, this water can also freez. So yeah, WD40 is going to work fine but you'll probably have to keep hitting it as the WD40 will wash out.

I worked vaseline into the holes on the sides of the handle then put a bit of tape over the hole to try and keep in in there. Early days but working so far.

 

[The Daily Meme]

I've had the handle off and I know the skinny on this.

Basically, it's two bits of plastic, one inside the other. A hole goes through both and there is a steel rod through them for the inner bit to pivot on. Couldn't be simpler.

Two things happen. The rod rusts! It's open at the ends so water gets in. In winter, this water can also freez. So yeah, WD40 is going to work fine but you'll probably have to keep hitting it as the WD40 will wash out.

I worked vaseline into the holes on the sides of the handle then put a bit of tape over the hole to try and keep in in there. Early days but working so far.

The guy that had my car before me was an avid cyclist, only managed 12,000 mile son it over three years. Probably didnt make much ise of the boot, and before i bought it, the car was sat on the SEAT forecourt for 6 months. Understandable that the handle mechanism would rust.

How did you manage to get it off? I might do the same as you.

 

[Mr Pig]

How did you manage to get it off? I might do the same as you.

It's easy. The hard part is the plastic boot lid liner! Buy new clips before you start because you will bend them. I have an ST and getting the trim back on was a sod. It just pushes, clips on but if you don't go at exactly the right angle etc, forget it.

So yeah, the handle is really easy. Once you get the trim off, unplug the wiring connector and one nut. That's it. Just lifts out of the hole.