I'd say it's worth seeing what voltage/pulse appears at the lock when the fob is pressed?
Sounds like a hatch wiring fault to me.whilst open operate boot lid handle solenoid operates, press key fob solenoid operates, close lid nothing works.
Do you think the silicone covered wire that I used to replace all the tailgate wires with could have also failed?Sounds like a hatch wiring fault to me.
I'd suggest disconnecting the battery negative terminal before proceeding further and before opening the hatch again. You may only be a short step away from frying the airbag ECU.
sounds unlikely if its been working ok for years and suddenly has stopped working!.Another possibility is that the hatch may be adjusted too tightly to permit the spring to release the catch when the solenoid operates. Check that the hatch has some free downward movement if you press on it when it's closed.
See the link in my post #11.
Balls, I think you could be correct, a little more experimenting previous symptoms now not working, try opening lid worked once lid mid cycle then not again, so looks like I'm going to have to repair it again and my elderly Mazda is off the road having failed its mot with a proper Fred Flinstone floor, my hope is that the wire has failed but not the insulation?Sounds like a hatch wiring fault to me.