Fiat 500 lounge 2009
I have two problems: "tailgate open" warning light is constantly on and the indicators flash multi times when vehicle is locked and unlocked. I have been told that the problem could be the latch/handle. The central locking, rear lights, rear wiper and heated rear window all work so I have ruled out the wiring loom. Could the problems be linked, as the handle is a £100 and I would like to make sure before wasting money.
Can anyone help?

Kaiserkeith said:

Fiat 500 lounge 2009
I have two problems: "tailgate open" warning light is constantly on and the indicators flash multi times when vehicle is locked and unlocked. I have been told that the problem could be the latch/handle. The central locking, rear lights, rear wiper and heated rear window all work so I have ruled out the wiring loom. Could the problems be linked, as the handle is a £100 and I would like to make sure before wasting money.
Can anyone help?

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Sounds like the system isn't detecting that the door is closed - faulty door switch? Is it definitely shutting securely? When you press the release do you hear the 'clonk' of the solenoid pulling the latch?

I had similar problem on my Grande Punto. It was the earth point behind the rear bumper. The car is different so is the system, but it might be worth checking...

It might be worth checking the dreaded rubber flex where the loom goes from the body into the tailgate

Pull back the rubber boot and see if there are any broken or split cables

Theres plenty of information on how to do repairs on FF, and a link to a silicon wiring repair kit. Mine has suffered an issue in that area along with many other owners

Hello thanks for your reply. The tailgate locks and unlocks ok with the central locking and the tailgate works ok. With both these things working the point I am trying to make is if the tailgate warning light is on and the indicator lights are flashing would this be controlled by the switch in the handle
Many thanks

Kaiserkeith said:

Hello thanks for your reply. The tailgate locks and unlocks ok with the central locking and the tailgate works ok. With both these things working the point I am trying to make is if the tailgate warning light is on and the indicator lights are flashing would this be controlled by the switch in the handle
Many thanks

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Multi flashing of the indicators is definitely a warning that one or more of the doors (or hatch) is open. I understand the "boot open" sensor is part of the boot latch mechanism but I also suggest you investigate the hatch wiring as a likely culprit first. If this is all intact then you've eliminated a potential cause at no cost to you.

Kaiserkeith said:

Hello thanks for your reply. The tailgate locks and unlocks ok with the central locking and the tailgate works ok. With both these things working the point I am trying to make is if the tailgate warning light is on and the indicator lights are flashing would this be controlled by the switch in the handle
Many thanks

Click to expand...

I doubt the boot-switch is involved. It's just a microswitch and if it's opening the tailgate properly would appear to be OK.

It seems more likely the sensor that tells the computer the latch is closed has failed. As it probably also operates the boot light can you see if that's on when the tailgate is shut? I don't know where it's located on the hatchback (I have a 500C) but you may have to fold the back seats to see it.

If it's on but the tailgate is firmly shut that's another good indicator the sensor may be at fault. I have to admit however, that I don't know what form the sensor takes or exactly where it is.

Or there's a hatch wiring fault ........




http://www.abarthforum.co.uk/500-abarth/boot-open-closed-sensor-location/