Vauxhall Meriva 'B' boot / tailgate won't open > trying to change glovebox fuse first

General_query

Hi, haven't used my Vauxhall Meriva (2011 Meriva B 1.7 CDTi) in over a month, and when I got it out the garage this afternoon to give a 15 minute run to keep battery from going flat and clear DPF dust build up, was annoyed to see the boot won't open. Pressed keyfob and car unlocked but pressing the boot button under the boot lip did nothing. I can release the boot by pressing a small plastic catch if I put the rear seat down and climb in the boot, not easy with a child car seat fitted! Why don't they have a keyhole on the boot exterior is beyond me....

I have read its worth checking the fuse in the fusebox (on the left passenger side, behind the pull down glovebox). I did this but there wasn't a fuse puller tool, and my stubby fingers couldn't reach the blue 15A fuse which I believe relates to the tailgate central locking, according to the manual, please see attached photo below: 


So, first off I have to go buy a 'fuse puller' tool, then take out the 15A fuse to check it hasn't blown, and hope I don't drop it! Only then will I know if the fuse is causing the problem, thing is I'd like to buy some replacement 15A fuses but not being technically minded when it comes to cars, I don't know until I take it out what kind I need: low profile mini, mini, medium or large. On the basis I need to buy an online fuse puller first which could take anything upto a week to arrive, it'd be handy if someone on here knew what type of replacement fuse size I needed so I can order some of them online! I calculated it to be 1cm wide. I guess the fact it's upside down is irrelevant as it worked when I picked my car up from it's service and MOT 2 months ago.

If it's not the fuse, then my next plan is to try and replace this part, the tailgate switch:
https://www.autovaux.co.uk/13422271-vauxhall-meriva-b-tailgate-release-switch-02-01-13422271

... but it looks quite daunting when I watched the online YouTube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka-GzVVdMLg

Considering I can't even take a fuse out and have no clue what to replace it with, I don't think I should consider removing the boot trim then replacing the wiring - if it's NOT the fuse at fault!
Just can't afford whatever a garage would charge me to fix it
Any help / advice please?
Thank you.

General_query

6	= Central locking system, tailgate

flashg67

Only to say I think you're right to check the easiest solution first such as the fuse. The puller tool isn't in the engine compartment fuse box is it? A small pair of pincers/ pliers would do it in a pinch

facade

Most likely the wires have snapped inside that corrugated rubber pipe from the body to the tailgate. 

tberry6686

A pail of needle nose pliers will pull fuses easily and do a lot more than any fuse puller will.  If you don't have spare fuses (there are often some stored in one of the car fuse boxes) then I suggest ordering a mixed pack online.  Should be able to get a set to cover virtually every fuse in the car (with extras) for under a tenner

General_query

Well, it wasn't the fuse so now contemplating ordering and fitting that part myself.
FAO facade - if it is "the wires that have snapped inside that corrugated rubber pipe from the body to the tailgate" after i've tried this replacement part, guess that's gonna cost a lot of money to fix?

General_query

tberry6686 said:

A pail of needle nose pliers will pull fuses easily and do a lot more than any fuse puller will.  If you don't have spare fuses (there are often some stored in one of the car fuse boxes) then I suggest ordering a mixed pack online.  Should be able to get a set to cover virtually every fuse in the car (with extras) for under a tenner

Yup, the fuse puller I bought was useless so resorted to a pair of needle nose pliers!

Goudy

Tailgate switch is fubar. It's very common.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka-GzVVdMLg

facade

If it is broken wires, then the 4 possibilities are:-

1) pay someone else to fix it.

2) pull back the boot, and repair (bodge) the broken wires with small bits of wire, solder & heatshrink (then either get rid, or only open the boot if the car is on fire or something as they will break again in a few openings)

3) get hold of one of those repair kits like Vemo used to sell, and replace the broken part, splicing into the old harness where it doesn't flex, this will last some time.

4) replace the harness section with new from Vauxhall.

I have the same trouble on my Nissan/Renault. I never use the boot if I can help it, everything gets dumped on the seats & floor. You would think even the stupidest "designer" would anticipate this common failure, and make it so the affected harness was short and easy to change, (or use flexible wire....) but (maybe they do and it is deliberate?) they don't and it joins pretty much at the front of the car, costs a small fortune and half the interior has to come out to fit it. 

For added amusement, Nissan/Renault saved a couple of pence by only using white wire rather than multiple colours )

Jack_Cork

I had a BMW X3 and although a wire break is common it turned out to be the switch in the handle. As this is a common fault in the X3 I started there, finding a wire break can take awhile 

mcpitman

Goudy said:

Tailgate switch is fubar. It's very common.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka-GzVVdMLg

Yup, micros switch across the range on the boot is a v common fault. (Astra's corsa's insignia's etc etc)