Boot switch/catch problem!

[itgoodson]

Hi

I have the common boot locking/unlocking problem. But I am stumped.

For the past six months I was having difficulty getting the boot to shut - I would either have to bang it hard or alternatively press the switch before shutting it. But last week I found I couldn't open the boot at all. When I press the switch nothing happens - no sound, no nothing.

I've been through everything on the forum though and I'm still stuck:

I've tried spraying WD40 on the lock mechanism and adding some grease. That made no difference.
I noticed that the lock mechanism was sticking a bit. I freed it up by lightly bending the part of the lock where it was sticking. It now moves freely, but still unable to unlock.
I took the switch out and took it apart. There was no signs of any moisture as some have experienced. Nevertheless I dried it out with a hair drier (made no difference) and then let it dry out on the radiator overnight (made no difference).
Some have suggested that a wire breaks in the loom between the boot and the main body of the car. I've had a look in there and nothing is broken.

Frustratingly, when I was fiddling around with the switch at first it started to work, for all of two minutes. And then it stopped working again - no sound of anything in the lock moving, no nothing.

I've noticed that where the wires go in to the connector which joins to the switch that some of the outer plastic on one of the wires has worn off. But the wire itself is in in tact.

So I am absolutely stumped. Does anyone have any advice?

[tomalamix]

Hi
....
Some have suggested that a wire breaks in the loom between the boot and the main body of the car. I've had a look in there and nothing is broken.
...
So I am absolutely stumped. Does anyone have any advice?

The wires may be broken inside the plastic isolation. it happened to me, but that didnt only affected the lock but also the rear wiper and plate lights. to determine if the problem is the wires shake them while you try to press the button. if you cannot reach both at the same time ask someone to help you for 1 minute or two

good luck

[itgoodson]

Thanks for taking the time - I'll look out for that

[davelowe]

I had a similar problem - unlocking the car opened the boot. It would then function as advertised. My solution was some anti-seize to the moving parts. it would seem that if the lock would not move freely, it defaulted to an unlock situation.

Tom offers good advice - it is likely to be a wiring problem or a lubrication problem. Tackle both.

[itgoodson]

Just to finish this one off, turned out it was the loom bundle between the boot and the body, up in the left hand corner. I pulled one wire and it came all the way out the rubber sheath, then another one, and another, and another ...

Decided to cut the said sheath off and repair all broken wires. Had to tape them up in the end. Doesn't look all that tidy unfortunately.

[tomalamix]

thats precisely what i was talking about. this shouldn't happen so often but it does...