Problem Unlocking Boot

[JimTC]

Hi,

I am having occasional problems unlocking the boot on my Chimaera. Sometimes need several presses of the dash-mounted button before I hear a click and the boot opens.

Each time the button is pressed, I can always hear the solenoid activating and with the boot open can see the lock mechanism being actuated...

Struggling to know what next to try.

Do wonder whether the earth return connection to the solenoid is poor so a reduced voltage drop across the solenoid, so less mechanical force.

Have pulled apart the power connector - contacts looked OK but did manage to clean them up a bit and spray on WD40.

Do solenoids go weak over time?

Any suggestions much appreciated.

Thanks.

[Trevor450]

The solenoids do go weak. Mine went this way and I replaced it and have had no problems since. Mine is a late car and the solenoid was in a void under the carpet to the left of the boot latch.

[JimTC]

Trevor450 said:

The solenoids do go weak. Mine went this way and I replaced it and have had no problems since. Mine is a late car and the solenoid was in a void under the carpet to the left of the boot latch.

Thanks for your reply on this. Yes, mines a late car (2000). Is it easy to get to the solenoid? Just trying to determine how much and which bit of carpet to peel off.

[Trevor450]

If you look towards the front of the car, you should be able to feel the void to the left of the boot catch about half way down and half way towards the rear light cluster. If you start pulling the carpet off from the left light cluster towards the boot catch then it will be obvious.

The carpet pulls off pretty easily and the bracket with the solenoid is held on with two screws. One of my screws was glass fibred over so I had to drill it out. Replace the solenoid, a bit of contact adhesive to re stick the carpet and job done.

[JimTC]

Trevor450 said:

If you look towards the front of the car, you should be able to feel the void to the left of the boot catch about half way down and half way towards the rear light cluster. If you start pulling the carpet off from the left light cluster towards the boot catch then it will be obvious.

The carpet pulls off pretty easily and the bracket with the solenoid is held on with two screws. One of my screws was glass fibred over so I had to drill it out. Replace the solenoid, a bit of contact adhesive to re stick the carpet and job done.

Perfect. Thanks for all the help!

Jim

[JimTC]

Interested to know at which point the boot solenoid is connected to chassis ground?

Thanks