Technical Boot question

[pete127]

Hi all,I have a 52 115 ELX JTD,when I bought the car the there was no interior lever by the handbrake to open the boot just a plastic cover and also something that felt like it was broken by the number plate lights so the boot can only be opened with the key.I've just got hold off a lever and cable and went to fit it today but under the blanking plate is an electrical pin socket and on closer inspection some sort of button on the outside of the boot.

Whats going on?I was hoping all uglybugs had the same set up.What should mine have?

Thanks.

 

[momoe]

Strange, I had a 52 plate ugly bug and that had a cable operated boot release with the operating lever on the inner sill by the drivers door.

However, later Multi's had an electric boot lock operated by a micro-switch assembly above the number plate. This is prone to failure and normally a good clean will sort it out.
You need to test the solenoid on the lock and if this works, have a go at repairing the switch.

 

[pete127]

The micro switch above the number plate is all smashed up,where would I get a replacement and what sort of switch goes by the handbrake?

Alternatively can I just change the striker plate to the cable type?

 

[pete123]

The only sort of switch that should be there is for the handbrake? When the boot is open if u see no light with in the speedo cluster I wouldn't worry to much I have just been an checked my mk2000 and it has the catch and geomet in side then wire runs bk in boot on boot take cover off and undo the 2 10mm or 12mm nuts disconnect locks by pulling the white clip away from the bar and take out the sensor on the boot door will just twist out if u wanna get that out but it opens every thing up so u can get ur hands up in to the boot to what u like

 

[pete127]

Was just thinking should there be something by the handbrake instead of the cable/lever as there's an electrical connector under the blanking plate.

 

[pete123]

Lift the hand brake hater off and just make sure the connector ain't gone walk about

 

[momoe]

Pete127, if I understand you correctly,

There's an electrical connector under the cable remote boot release blanking cover (which you think might be a redundant alternate feed to the boot release solenoid).
You'd need to check out the continuity to the boot release mechanism with a multi-meter preferably with the boot release wiring disconnected to eliminate any spurious results)
If it is a make and break to the boot release solenoid, I'd give it a go, failing that a microswitch from a scrappie - must be plenty of rear ends where the switch is undamaged.

 

[pete127]

Momoe,you do understand what I'm saying yes.

I realise that the later models have the microswitch on the boot and if this electrical connector is something to do with it should there be an actual switch that sits where the blanking plate is or is it the previous owners bodge?

 

[widemouthfrog]

Mine (04 plate round nose) has a flat blanking plate next to the handbrake. There was never a remote switch fitted. The only way to open the boot is either a) the microswitch behind the rubber boot in the tailgate or b) ignition key in the lock in the tailgate.

 

[martyc5674]

Mine is a 03 ugly bug... Has electrical switch by handbrake and on the boot.
If u want me to check anything for you just shout!
Thanks
Marty