[rich the stag]

Hi there,
This is my first posting and i have a problem.
I have a 2.0 c-max 54 plate and cannot open the boot from the outside only with the key fob.Its driving me mad.Can anybody help me?

 

[Richard G]

I also have a 54 plate
the non remote key does operate the boot lock but it is at the limit of the amount of effort you would feel you should have to use

 

[Richard Morton]

Same problem with an 04 1.6 diesel. Seems it's a problem with the switch in the boot release. Has anyone found out how to remove the trim above the numberplate which contains the boot release switch?

 

[karl]

Same problem here for a 54 plate C-Max 1.6 TDI.It may be the boot release soleniod rather then the switch which is accesible by removing the cowling in side the boot door. There are two torx ( Star) screws in the two hand holes inside the boot lid/door, remove them and then use a flat screw driver and gently prise the plastic cowl away from the lid/door, you can the get at the soleniod nowit's a round black lump with what looks a like a bike break cable attached to it.


Try ebay for spares i have found some sites very good for wiper blades ( £33 full set of Champion) and washer pump(£10).

Good luck

 

[bericd]

I've got the same problem. A 56 plate 1.8tdci. The boot release wont work. I've been told it maybe the microswitch. How do you remove the inside boot panel when you cannot open the boot? I've unclipped the top and bottom - but I don't want to force the sides. Is there an easier way?

 

[Richard G]

Do neither the remote key fob or the key in the lock work either

 

[bericd]

There is no key lock on the boot. The key fob does not unlock the boot (no electronic unlock noise). have been advised by a dealer to access through the boot!

 

[Richard G]

Same problem with an 04 1.6 diesel. Seems it's a problem with the switch in the boot release. Has anyone found out how to remove the trim above the numberplate which contains the boot release switch?

you remove the tailgate liner and then there are 4 bolts that hold the trim the number plate lights and the switch. Undo these (10mm - a flat ratchet spanner will help - B&Q for around £4) and the whole lot comes away. there is enough slack in the number plate light leads. the microswitch then just unclips from the loom and it just unclips from the plastic as well - Reverse to refit

DO NOT FORGET TO ORDER the SEALING GASKET AS WELL AS THE SWITCH

 

[bericd]

My main problem is how to remove the tailgate liner from the inside of an unlocked boot. I've uncliped the top and the bottom but I don't know how to do the sides. It does not seem to want to pull away. As the boot is locked shut the sides of the liner are hidden because of theboot sides liner. I don't want to force it if there is a special technique. it seems like it would break if I forced it any more.

 

[Richard G]

As pointed out elswhere it is not going to pull away properly as there are two retaining screws in the bottom of the "shut handles"
It may be that to break it is the only way or then again - Eureka moment possibly

I know it is possible to remove the rubber cover to the exterior handle from the outside so it may also be possible to get at the retaining clips for the switch and lever it out.

Here is the possibly doubtful at present bit though the wiring diagram would suggest it's right. It suggests that the switch connects CONNECTOR 99 TERMINAL 30 in the CJB to EARTH
Once the switch is out being able to touch together the wire to each side of the switch should reproduce the action of the switch.

I CANNOT SAY THAT THIS IS WITHOUT RISK HOWEVER

 

[bericd]

I'll try at the weekend - when its daylight! Cheers.

 

[Richard G]

bericd
Did you ever manage to get your tailgate open?

 

[bericd]

Due to weather etc - no. Pulled off rubber seal from outside - it was like a flood of milky water! When I get time I will dry it out and prob get a new one from ford (with the attached wiring!)

 

[Case]

Hi there. My 53 1.8 C Max has a problem with the boot lid in that it comes open after the car is unlocked and whilst it does notopen fully the warning beep drives you mad after a while.My ford agent thinks it may be the relay switch. Is this easey to replace as they want to charge £67

 

[Richard G]

There are two prices from Fraud for the switch around £17 or around £30 seemingly depending on the age
The job itself will take you around ¾hour to do
You have to remove the interior liner to the liftgate and then undo the four 10mm nuts that hold the number plate light (there's not much room so a flat ratchet spanner may help Ifound B&Q do one for about £4) Once undone there is enough slack in the leads to get to the back to unclip the bootswitch and it's connecting lead. Putting it back is the reverse.

There is a gasket between the number plate light holder and the body but you can use folded over "gaffa tape" to seal it

 

[Case]

Thanks for the info Richard

 

[Andy C]

I had the same problem...key did not open the boot on my 2005 CMax. I read the threads here and decided to try and cut the wires leading to the microswitch and touching them together. SUCCESS! I pried the top of the boot lining off from the inside and managed to squeeze my hand in and grab the wires leading to the boot release. I pulled them and managed to cut each of the two wires as close as I could to the boot release. Some more contorting (there really is not a lot of space in there) and I managed to make contact with the two bare ends of the wires and the boot release popped open. I could then remove the boot lining easily and remove the release switch asexplainedin other posts. It was a bit of a fiddle but worked in the end. I managed to remove the tiny switch from the plastic housing...can anyone advise me on the exact part to get from Maplins (I saw something on this earlier)?? Seems a shame to buy the whole piece if I don't have to. Cheers, Andy.

 

[Richard G]

and cut the wires leading to the microswitch and touching them together. SUCCESS! I pried the top of the boot lining off from the inside and managed to squeeze my hand in and grab the wires leading to the boot release. I pulled them and managed to cut each of the two wires as close as I could to the boot release. Some more contorting (there really is not a lot of space in there) and I managed to make contact with the two bare ends of the wires and the boot release popped open.

Thanks for confirming that shorting the two wires together is the same as the boot switch now all we need is for someone to confirm that the switch itself can be prised out from the outside and we have the workround when the boot won't open at all

 

[Andy C]

If you unscrewed the small number plates lights on either side of the boot release and stuck a metal hook of some description inside, there are plastic lugson either end of the release housing that must be pressed before it will pop out. You have to press them quite hard though and you would be working blind. May be worth a try though.
Found replacement switch on ebay for 15.49 GBP

 

[Richard G]

If you unscrewed the small number plates lights on either side of the boot release and stuck a metal hook of some description inside, there are plastic lugson either end of the release housing that must be pressed before it will pop out.
I know the external rubber cover to the switch can be eased off the metal as I managed to to this first by accident. You then ought to be able to get up the side of the switch itself

You have to press them quite hard though and you would be working blind. May be worth a try though.


Found replacement switch on ebay for 15.49 GBP
I had my switch (for a 54 plate) from Fraud at start of Jan 2010for only £17.42