Boot Lock stuck!

[tvrnotrackdays]

I have looked through some of the forum pages but can find nothing on this particular problem, so would like some advice on the 'normal' operation of a Tuscan2 boot lock.

Mine has been a bit strange since I picked up the car from the dealer, and is getting worse.

Ok, let us assume that the car central locking system is unlocked .

So, almost always the boot lock will not work, pressing the catch does not activate the lock - there is no brief sound of the solenoid operating. There is movement in the boot catch so that is working ok.

On the rare occasions that it does operate, it unlocks, but then immediately locks (closes) the catch again. So on those occasions, slight vertical upwards pressure needs to be put on the underside of the boot lid in the hope that it can be opened before it locks itself again. This is most unlikely to work as the boot locks itself within 1/4 to 1/2 second after unlocking.

It seems to me that there are two problems:-
1/. The boot catch microswitch is not making good connection with the boot catch.
2/. If there is a timer or relay which stops the solenoid from being released and locking the boot, it is faulty.

As I have not seen another Tuscan to watch the boot being opened, can someone tell me what the typical action should be.

I would have assumed that the normal operations should be:-
a/. press the catch.
b/. the solenoid unlocks the boot lid.
c/. the boot lid pops up just a little bit.
d/. allowing the boot lid to be fully opened by hand.

or alternatively
c/. the boot remains unlocked for sufficient time to allow the boot lid to be fully opened by hand.

Ok, so, tell me if i am wrong, please

[nawarne]

The Tuscan boot uses the passenger side door lock ecu for it's control.
The ecu's are located under the transmission tunnel trim cover/centre console located just in front of the gear stick. You can swap over ecu's to see if that improves the situation - if it does, the inference is that the ecu is faulty.

The boot solenoid can be accessed via the rubber 'bung' on the inner rear bulkhead of the boot.
The solenoid is a Ford (Transit ?)item. I've found that lubricating the solenoid itself, and spraying contact cleaner on the connectors to the solenoid and the boot release has improved the operation no end.
Hope this helps.
Nick

[tvrnotrackdays]

Very many thanks for that. gives me a place to start - well, I will ask Kerridges (a most helpful dealership, recommended for anyone within 100 miles of Needham Market) to take a look.

Can you also help with an appraisal of my evaluation of how the boot lock SHOULD actually operate - I gave a sort-of-maybe series of steps in my initial post.
Cheers.
Paul

well, two boot-y things in one day. must be the weather
Thinking about it, I too am having some alarm/immob issues.
About half the time, although the driver and passenger doors actually unlock, there is no comforting flah of the indicators (so I am left with the feeling, did it or din't it ).
I guess they are all interlinked, with one root cause.

[nawarne]

OK,
Operation should be:
a) Car unlocked - corresponding flashes on indicators (1 - I think).
b) Press 'Tuscan' badge on rear of car.
c) Audible click from solenoid and (slight) movement of bootlid as it 'pops' under pressure of rubber seal.
d) Lift lid.
Essentially, as soon as you have pushed the Tuscan badge the solenoid 'pulls' the lock striker, and you should have as long as you want to lift the lid.
If it appears to re-lock by itself, then to me, it sounds like the pass. door ecu..but I'm no electrical expert. Can you replicate with the boot open? Maybe get a mate to push the release whilst you test with a meter to see what's going on?

If all else fails phone Carl Baker - web site mailto:[e-mail] or 'phone (best) mobile phone [phone] . He will give advise over the 'phone and is the guru on all TVR electronics.
Nick

[Allandwf]

Probably, only the microswitch. Once you get the boot open, using secret method, or after multiple goes of pushing badge, remove the badge. There are two nyloc bolts behind it accessable through the large grommet.Peal back the rubber boot and spray with contact cleaner, see if this helps. If not, there is an inline connector to the left, split it there, short across the plug and if solenoid operates then the switch is at fault. Remember not to bolt up too tight when replacing as solenoid will continually operate.

[tvrnotrackdays]

Thanks guys
Ok, yes it can be replicated with boot open. Press badge (and if it actually decides to work at all) solenoid clicks and catch opens. If I continue to hold the badge in, it still immediately closes again (solenoid is not holding the catch open). However, if I release the badge.... Yes it still closes immediately.
It all happens as quick as you can say 'snick-snick' (my interpretation of the sound of the solenoid and catch ).
Thanks very much for letting me know what 'should' be happening!

Edited by tvrnotrackdays on Monday 28th May 16:36

[tvrnotrackdays]

@Allandwf
I think it is micro switch - for the 'only works very occasionally' part (probably only needs placing correctly and tightening)
And
ECU for the 'I'm going to lull you into a false sense of security by making a noise and then I'm going to lock you out, again' part.
Annoying, but at this stage not causing sleep deprivation!

[tvrnotrackdays]

Well, It' been a while. Too busy, but eventually took it to Kerridges in Needham Market (to have a couple of things looked) and felt silly when I went back to find that it wasworking and had been working all the time - Doh!
I even have a .mov file on my iPhone showing clearly that it was not working.
I blame a leprachuan!

[sportsracerandy]

I had trouble with mine when I had ended up my dad taking the badge off which u press and gluing a penny to the back as we found it made a better connection and the boot never failed to open first time after that. A strange fix I know but it worked

[Cockey]

Mine usually (but not always) requires a little upwards pressure on the boot lid whilst holding the button down, otherwise like yours it will relock itself.

It's a pain if you've only got one had free, but it's never really been a problem for me.

[tvrnotrackdays]

Thanks so much for all these comments.

However, in order to ensure correct opening I have decided to tie up the leprachaun and connect him to the boot lock, so he can push up with his feet when the door catch is pressed. Sorted!