j3trooper

Sorted it now. After removing the foam moulding I found there were no securing screws for the steel trim as it appears to be the case in earlier models. You simply have to pull back the rubber boot seal along the length of the trim. Then inserting your fingers into flap in the trim you forcefully lift up the trim to release it from the two securing points. The issue for me was resolved by using a screwdriver to operate the boot catch with the boot open. That then locked the locking mechanism. I then unlocked the boot with the drivers door switch. This seemed to reset the locking mechanism. The boot then closed and locked fully.

Thanks for a very informative post. My issue is not relating to installing a towbar but to remove the chrome steel boot trim in order to get access to the boot switch. I am in the process of trying to remove the boot moulding which is as you say challenging. It looks like this is necessary to remove the chrome boot trim. Is that the case? The issue I have on my 2018 Audi Q5 3.0tdi is that the boot is not fully closing into the locked position. I can make it lock fully by pressing down firmly on the boot as it comes to close. If I leave it to close automatically it just closes on the initial safely lock and is not pulled in tightly closed. I am hoping that it is just a connector come apart but need to access the lock to see what the issue is. Have you had any experience with this issue? Regards j3trooper

Does the actuator rod controlling the variable vanes of the turbo move freely and for the full length of its travel? This can be tested by disconnecting the thin hose which operates the actuator rod and connecting it to a vacuum pump. If it only moves slightly or not at all then the variable vanes in your turbo are more than likely stuck or gummed up. Less likely could be the diaphragm has failed in the control valve operating the actuator rod. If it's the variable vanes then your turbo needs exchanging or overhauling.