Fiesta boot won't open from keyfob or dash button

General_query

Hello.

Having real problems with the boot not opening on my 2004 Ford Fiesta.

Problem is pressing the button on the keyfob does nothing, and pressing the 'boot open' button on the dashboard does nowt either

I had this problem before which my local garage "fixed" for free as part of my service last summer by s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g the cable, but it has stopped working again totally.

You can hear something moving when you press the keyfob and when you open the boot, you can see a small part of the lock slightly retracting to the left, but obviously not enough to release the boot lock.

My garage spent 90 minutes looking at it, then they phoned me to say they couldn't spend any longer as they were charging me for the time they had spent on it, fair enough. They also mentioned they had tried another part in it, but as it didn't work they can't charge me for it.

So, it looks like I am stuck with having to go to my local Ford dealer and getting ripped off for a whole new boot lock (solenoid?) plus there exhorbitant labour costs, when like my local garage said, if it still works and unlocks with the key in the boot, do I really want to spend a fortune as long as it partly works.

No I don't, but one day the key may not even open the boot I guess.

I have found some YouTube video's showing what the problem is, but I have no idea what I need to do to fix it, and to be fair, if my garage can't fix it with their knowhow, there's no chance of me being able to do it myself with zero technical ability!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGhgiBjBc20

Mine is exactly like the above video, where the mechanism only moves a little, and not enough to unlock.

This is what it should move like (with a new part fitted), below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMtUilS8VZ4

See how much further the "springy thing retracts/moves"?! I need that!

The Haynes manual I bought makes no sense either and man I hate those hard to see tiny black and white photo's they use.

Any help please?

Thanks.
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Weird_Nev

I THINK Fiesta use some contacts in the boot hinge to transfer power to the boot for wiper/lock. Try cleaning the 4 sprung contacts that connect when the boot is closed, they're in the hinge side of the boot door. If you can find them.

If it uses a rubber boot then there could be an earthing problem or a damaged wire in the boot.

If you're handy with a multimeter, then check continuity of the wires. If not, an auto electrician should be able to sort it without much fuss.

General_query

Weird_Nev wrote: »

I THINK Fiesta use some contacts in the boot hinge to transfer power to the boot for wiper/lock. Try cleaning the 4 sprung contacts that connect when the boot is closed, they're in the hinge side of the boot door. If you can find them.

If it uses a rubber boot then there could be an earthing problem or a damaged wire in the boot.

If you're handy with a multimeter, then check continuity of the wires. If not, an auto electrician should be able to sort it without much fuss.

Thanks for the quick reply. Unfortunately I have no idea where to look, and I'm far from handy with a multimeter

I did get the boot cover off by undoing the 3 posi-drive screws, but that was it apart from spraying anything that seemed to move with WD-40

I need good colour photo's, unfortunately Google fails to help

ohreally

General_query wrote: »

I need good colour photo's, unfortunately Google fails to help

http://www.fiestaguides.co.uk/images/boot_release/big/05_contacts.jpg

skivenov

I argue with all those who 'know' the answer on the Ford sites.

It's normally an earthing problem. I don't know whether the mk6 fiestas earth through the contact plate, but the old Mk5/6 Escorts used to earth through the hinges.

Open the boot, drill a little hole in the hatch and one in the frame. Two self-tapping screws, two eye connects and whatever scrap of wire is kicking about (doesn't need to be a high amerage by any means) solves it nicely.

General_query

ohreally wrote: »

http://www.fiestaguides.co.uk/images/boot_release/big/05_contacts.jpg

Thanks, I willl have another look when it's light!

General_query

skivenov wrote: »

I argue with all those who 'know' the answer on the Ford sites.

It's normally an earthing problem. I don't know whether the mk6 fiestas earth through the contact plate, but the old Mk5/6 Escorts used to earth through the hinges.

Open the boot, drill a little hole in the hatch and one in the frame. Two self-tapping screws, two eye connects and whatever scrap of wire is kicking about (doesn't need to be a high amerage by any means) solves it nicely.

Thanks but I'm not technically gifted at all and it sounds like you're trying to fry me!

But seriously, thankyou for the help/advice. I will get to the bottom of this...
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General_query

Weird_Nev wrote: »

I THINK Fiesta use some contacts in the boot hinge to transfer power to the boot for wiper/lock. Try cleaning the 4 sprung contacts that connect when the boot is closed, they're in the hinge side of the boot door. If you can find them.

Can't see any kind of contacts when the boot is open, just a large rubber seal, the hinges and two pointy rubber "thimble" type things, one on each side.

Steve059

My 2004 Mk.6 Fiesta has wires running into the tailgate. They're in one of the two black flexible tubes at the top of the tailgate. The tube to the rear washer is in the other one.

My money is on the solenoid. Unfortunately, I've never had to replace one, so cannot assist in more detail. I'll have a read of my Haynes manual.

I reckon that the key is a simple, mechanical linkage.

colino

If you can hear something moving, the power is getting to the solenoid. My money is on the short cable that has stretched and no longer moves the latch enough to open. Either replace or tie a knot in it!

General_query

Well, took the boot lining/cover off again today and had a look around.

Disconnected any plastic plug type connectors I could get my hands too but no difference when reconnected. This is sooooooo annoying. Guess I will have to try and check the fuses behind the glovebox on the passenger side, but not sure what I'm looking for

And, thanks for post, but where are these connectors meant to be?



Oh, and I couldn't even undo the 2 big star shaped screws holding the actual gold lock mechanism in place under the boot lip as i don't have the right tools, sheesh!



Grrrr :mad:
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