The bootlid will open via the remote on my 2009 500, however I cannot open via the handle. The touch pad does not seem to have any play in it at all. Any help much appreciated!

Hi well it's one of two things, the switch itself or the well known hatch wiring issue.
First try removing the whole silver trim and test the action of the switch, there's only 3 wires two for the number plate lights(one of the two is common to the lights and boot switch-earth wire) and the remaining one, when the boot switch is pressed it earth's the boot release switch sending a signal to the solenoid. Check using a meter with the bulbs removed, ours I was faulty I could not find a fault but once replaced it generally works sometimes requiring a hard knock on the top of the silver trim. If the switch is confirmed as ok it's the hatch wiring not hard to fix but time consuming for someone confident in repairing it.

Many thanks John. How do you suggest removing the silver trim?

It's held on by 4 nuts you need to remove the trim on the inside to get to them lots of push fixings

I found this kitchen Turner very useful at helping remove them remove all the easy ones first then careful pulling on the trim panel to tease out the recessed ones, on replacement ensure the clips near the wiper/window motor are properly fixed.

I would doubt it's the actual hinge wiring issue as you can still open it via the remote. Therefore there is still 12v getting into the tailgate and allowing you to fire the release actuator off the key.

I would say it's the switch thats at fault to be honest.

If there's no play in the handle it's likely that there is a build of grime in the mechanism. Pipe cleaner and compressed air to clean out the handle slot is worth a try before dismantling things.

gazz_bee said:

If there's no play in the handle it's likely that there is a build of grime in the mechanism. Pipe cleaner and compressed air to clean out the handle slot is worth a try before dismantling things.

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And, remember that there's very little play in the handle in the first place, maybe 3-4mm, quite often ours does not work, I found by chance when its not working a bang on the top of the silver part restores operation(once) same might happen the next time or it may work fine, once you get it working try to only use the handle not the remote to ensure it keeps working.