Boot fails to unlock - a bit urgent!

[Gem_man]

OK, I am away from home and my clean kacks are in the boot!

Usually when I push the boot release button I get a little squeak and usually the catch releases within three pushes (TVRs, dont we love 'em)

But now, No Squeak ... No Clunk (of the release) ... and No Kacks!

Any suggestions as to what the problem might be or at least a suggestion on how to get in to rescue my case?

Many thanks

Adrian

[Gem_man]

OK, I found some past postings. Have removed the switch and shorted the wires. No squeak or clunk. So I am now assuming its the solenoid. Will get on the case.

If anyone sees any error in my thinking, a posting would be most appreciated before I end up dismantling the car.

Still no Kacks!

[Gem_man]

I have had a suggestion, privately (if you know what I mean) but it doesn't seem to be an option on my car, which is a 450 on a 2000 plate.

I have responded to the chap that PM'd me but just in case he is down the pub, if anyone else fancies sending a PM, i would be grateful.

Many thanks

Adrian

[bigdods]

No need to PM this as its not the 'secret' way in. Sometimes the lock gets out of line with the solenoid. Find a friend, get them to sit in the car and press the button (obviously with ignition on ) while you press down on the back of the bootlid. This will help ease the lock if its out of line and the solenoid may then throw properly. Its certainly worth a try.

[3.2TT]

I used to have a Cerbera with the same problem, squirting it with Wd 40 should cure it in about ten minutes. Once you have got in squirt behind the badge and in to the boot lock with wd40 on a regular basis otherwise they don't work in the rain.Hope that helps

[Gem_man]

Thanks for that, will give the pushing down thing a go.

I dont know much about these things, am I correct in assuming the the squeak nose when the button is pushed is the solenoid? and the clunk is the catch releasing?

I dont get a squeak or a clunk, so have come to the conclusion that the selonoid is not doing whatever solenoids do. have i got it wrong?

Thanks for your help chaps

Adrian

[Gem_man]

Tried the pushing the boot down thing, no joy at all.

Since I cannot get into the boot to lubricate with wd40, I dont see where i should be squirting it. Am I missing something?

I think I need the secret please, if anyone can help.

Much appreciated.

Adrian

[spend]

Check what else uses the same fuse (eg mirrors on mine) and make sure they are working - it might just be a blown fuse. Otherwise you will need someone to tell you the secret way into the boot (it is described in Steve Heaths Booklet BTW).

Dave

[Cider Andy]

spend said:

Otherwise you will need someone to tell you the secret way into the boot (it is described in Steve Heaths Booklet BTW).

It doesn't work on cars with the later back end, as this one is. In fact I've yet to find a way in if the solenoid fails.

[Gem_man]

Kacks have been liberated!!

Many thanks to all that helped me out including the several PMs I recieved.

Can now get petrol to get home. Then start on fitting new solenoid.(There are a few threads that help in this regard)

For the benefit of future searchers
The solenoid part numbers from Maplins are:

2 Wire: YD79L
5 wire: YD78K

Both will do the job, the 5 wire will also be good for other places on the car. Apparently there are five in total on Chims.

Many thanks

Adrian

[LordLanky]

I used those Maplin parts when a door went.

When I subsequently had some work done for an external boot release, he reckoned the Maplin ones were pants as he had seen too many failures, and recommended another product, the name of which escapes me, that stays serviceable for longer.

Can anyone remember the "other" solenoid product name...?