Boot only opens when engine running
Discussion
What a strange thing?
Car is very stable with its electrics and everything works great. However this is a mystery to me how the engine needs to be running for the boot to pop. Just switching on the ignition and pushing the button produces a soft sound, but to get the solenoid to pop engine has to be on? Baffled and certain my last 2 chims were not like this. I didn't think it needed much current to open it?
Any ideas please guys or anyone seen this before?
Many thanks.
PS Year 2000 400
Car is very stable with its electrics and everything works great. However this is a mystery to me how the engine needs to be running for the boot to pop. Just switching on the ignition and pushing the button produces a soft sound, but to get the solenoid to pop engine has to be on? Baffled and certain my last 2 chims were not like this. I didn't think it needed much current to open it?
Any ideas please guys or anyone seen this before?
Many thanks.
PS Year 2000 400
Edited by kenny.R400 on Wednesday 17th August 11:18
Sounds like an earth issue or resitance in the switch or circuit etc with engine running voltage increases by 2 volts approx so possibly masking main issue, the fact you get a faint noise kind of backs this up , diagnose the simple circuit and you should be good to go may even be a failing solenoid 
not the first time I have witnessed this you need to check voltage at the solenoid engine on and engine off and activate the switch to maybe spot the voltage offset/error
not the first time I have witnessed this you need to check voltage at the solenoid engine on and engine off and activate the switch to maybe spot the voltage offset/errorGoodun innit
First off - Engine running gives 14 volts or higher @ battery
Solenoid stiff or failing is one possibility, 12 volts won't drive it but 14 will
Other possibility is voltage-drop in solenoid circuit
Example - With engine not running there's only 10 volts @ the solenoid and that isn't enough to operate it, when engine is running the voltage increases to close to 12 volts which is enough to operate it
First off - Engine running gives 14 volts or higher @ battery
Solenoid stiff or failing is one possibility, 12 volts won't drive it but 14 will
Other possibility is voltage-drop in solenoid circuit
Example - With engine not running there's only 10 volts @ the solenoid and that isn't enough to operate it, when engine is running the voltage increases to close to 12 volts which is enough to operate it
and Polly after I wouldnt of commented 
Kenny you got all you need with these two 
Well guys, after the tips a few minutes ago I went in to garage. Tried to open it with ignition on only and nothing.
Engine on and pop!!!
Opened boot and carpet is so well fitted under very tight boot seal I thought I'd try one last thing before disturbing it.
Your comments pointed to a lazy solenoid and being too stiff to open without extra couple volts with engine on.
So, I depressed the button once more with just ignition on (soft noise again) then rapidly hit button 20/30 times.....bingo the solenoind started popping and clicking.
It now works just fine........I guess once again lack of use is not good for these cars.
Many thanks indeed fellas, appreciated.
Engine on and pop!!!
Opened boot and carpet is so well fitted under very tight boot seal I thought I'd try one last thing before disturbing it.
Your comments pointed to a lazy solenoid and being too stiff to open without extra couple volts with engine on.
So, I depressed the button once more with just ignition on (soft noise again) then rapidly hit button 20/30 times.....bingo the solenoind started popping and clicking.
It now works just fine........I guess once again lack of use is not good for these cars.
Many thanks indeed fellas, appreciated.
kenny.R400 said:
Well guys, after the tips a few minutes ago I went in to garage. Tried to open it with ignition on only and nothing.
Engine on and pop!!!
Opened boot and carpet is so well fitted under very tight boot seal I thought I'd try one last thing before disturbing it.
Your comments pointed to a lazy solenoid and being too stiff to open without extra couple volts with engine on.
So, I depressed the button once more with just ignition on (soft noise again) then rapidly hit button 20/30 times.....bingo the solenoind started popping and clicking.
It now works just fine........I guess once again lack of use is not good for these cars.
Many thanks indeed fellas, appreciated.
Good fixEngine on and pop!!!
Opened boot and carpet is so well fitted under very tight boot seal I thought I'd try one last thing before disturbing it.
Your comments pointed to a lazy solenoid and being too stiff to open without extra couple volts with engine on.
So, I depressed the button once more with just ignition on (soft noise again) then rapidly hit button 20/30 times.....bingo the solenoind started popping and clicking.
It now works just fine........I guess once again lack of use is not good for these cars.
Many thanks indeed fellas, appreciated.
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