Help needed to remove Tailgate Handle

[moh]

Hello everyone

I trying to remove the Handle from Tailgate (boot lid) tried a few times now with no luck. The problem is that the key barrel has corroded and key wont go in all away. And I wanted to change the barrel.

I have taken the inner trim off and taken the screws out holding the handle in place and disconnect the wires. But the handle doesn't move I have tried to pull it away from outside and used flat head screw driver to force it off but it won't budge it feels like it welded to lid or glued. I looked in Haynes manual and I doing everything right but it wont budge.

2005 1.9tdi Galaxy ghia 115

[Mirez]

Corrosion can set in causing it to fuse, use a rubber mallet to tap it out from the inside.