Sometimes your Audi TT 8N just doesn't want to cooperate. You press the key, you hear nothing, and the boot lid remains firmly closed. A flat battery, a faulty comfort module, or a malfunction in the control system: any of these could be the reason why the boot lid no longer opens electrically.

Fortunately, the TT 8N has an emergency release for the tailgate. However, on the Coupé, this is located in a different place than on the Roadster.

When do you need the emergency release?

You mainly use the emergency release if:

• the tailgate does not open with the key
• the battery is (almost) empty
• the comfort module/lock control has failed
• the electric release does not respond

Tip: if you can hear/notice that the central locking is working, it may also be a problem with the lock mechanism or cable/lever.

Key facts at a glance

Source: Audi AG manual Audi TT Coupé NL 6.98

Emergency release location: TT 8N Coupé

In the Coupé, the emergency release is located under the centre tunnel, behind the handbrake.
How to access it:

• Remove the cover and/or cup holder behind the handbrake (depending on model).
• You will see a cable with a red loop.
• Pull firmly on the red loop: the tailgate will open manually.

Tip: pull in one smooth motion. If the lock has not been used for a long time, it may feel a little stiff.

Source: Audi AG manual Audi TT Roadster NL 5.04

Emergency release location: TT 8N Roadster

Are you thinking, “Then I'll just look in the same place in the Roadster”? Unfortunately, you won't find anything there. In the Roadster, the emergency release is in a completely different place. You'll find it in the storage compartment behind the passenger seat:

• In Roadsters with factory-fitted navigation, this is (often) also where the unit/space for the map CD is located.

Here's how to access it:

1. Open the storage compartment behind the passenger seat.
2. Remove the cover (you can do this with the key).
3. Behind it, you will see a black release lever.
4. Operate the lever: the tailgate will unlock and can be opened manually.

© Header photo: Arno Lingerak (Autovisie)