problem with boot switch

[Ed Davis]

Can anyone help!
The switch that opens the boot has died. No clik or anything. You can still open the boot the manual way using the secret method if the battery fails. But this is obviously a real fag everytime you want to fill up!
Any suggestions?

[zippy500]

The solenoid has probably burnt out. Mine went the other day. Check all your fuses first. And if no luck there, you will have to take it out and replace it. 16 quid for a new one. If you are gonna attempt it I will send some instructions if you like.

[FunkyGibbon]

I had a similar problem and it turned out to be dust in the switch mechanism fouling the contacts.

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=8&h=&t=15792

It's a 2 minute job to check this out, and you may be lucky.

[incorrigible]

There're 4 bits (and the wiring in between)
1) the switch under the dash
2) the fuse
3) the microswitch on the catch
4) the solenoid

Fuse is easy to check, for the switch you may need a helper to check if power is getting to the back of the car, to check that power is getting to the solenoid/cut off switch
If power isn't getting that far then it's the button under the dash (I had in intermittent problem there before I cleaned the switch and my car's a 99 T)
If power is getting that far then either short out the microswitch or power the solenoid directly, then you can tell if the solenoid/cut of switch is faulty

good luck

[JARCY]

This thread has just reminded me - I noticed a little while back that the cable for my 'alternative manual' method of opening the boot is detatched. Must sort this out before my solenoid, or something fails.
Is this operated by the keyhole behind the rear numberplate? Never had cause to investigate the alternative before now.

[Ed Davis]

quote:
The solenoid has probably burnt out. Mine went the other day. Check all your fuses first. And if no luck there, you will have to take it out and replace it. 16 quid for a new one. If you are gonna attempt it I will send some instructions if you like.

Instructions on replacing solenoid would be great! E-mail address [e-mail].
Thanks.

[zippy500]

Here we go Ed. I have a Griff, but im pretty sure bits are in the same place.

1 pull out the boot seal around the area you will be working, peel back carpet on right hand side of boot lid catch. outside of the boot under the seal there are 2 black caps covering solenoid mounting brackets screws. This is the area you need to expose. Take care not to tear carpet.

2 when you can see the bracket and solenoid, unscrew the solenoid from inside and with some pliers pull out brass cable locking thingy from end. you may need to disconnect cable from bootlid catch end).

3 on the new unit there are 2 sets of wires. the set with three wires is not used and can be removed or coiled up out of harms way. Refit the brass locking screw in the end of the unit connect the 2 wire connector and then screw unit into place. Test it works art this point as cable may need adjusting.

4 if all is ok refit the carpet with some evostick
type glue allow to set and refit the bootseal.


Hope this all correct im doing it from memory, it is basically a reverse procedure to refit as with most things. Good luck.