Technical How to remove tailgate lining to access boot handle microswitch

[kch]

Hi,

I need to remove the boot lining from my 2005 Panda Dynamic. I can see an allen key bolt/screw holding the strap (which I presume I need to remove), and a bunch of black plastic 'poppers' attaching the grey material lining - do these come out with a bit of force ?

My tailgate handle is not working when I press the handle/microswitch - I can hear the microswitch clicking, but nothing happens. And when I hold down the remote button for 2 seconds I can hear the whirring sound, but the tailgate doesn't open - it only opens if I pull the tailgate up at the same time, or hold down the microswitch/handle at the same time.

Could this be a fuse, or is the microswich frazzled/stuck ?

Cheers,
kch.

 

[Andy Monty]

https://www.fiatforum.com/panda-guides/229226-how-remove-replace-electric-tailgate-handle.html

 

[kch]

Unfortunately that guide is for a Panda with a solid plastic lining and tailgate hadnle - my Panda has a grey fuzzy material lining and a strap.

 

[doctorchris]

Undo the bolt holding the strap.
Prise out the black plastic poppers. It's best to lever them from 2 sides, there is a proper fork-shaped tool for this or use 2 flat-bladed screwdrivers.
That's it!
The fault is with the microswitch. There are a number of threads about this fault. The official cure is a whole new assembly but some have replaced the microswitch only, although it's not available from dealers.

 

[Bri]

if you take the microswitch to maplins or radio spares .i think youll find they can replace the switch alone for pennies.

 

[jrkitching]

... but some have replaced the microswitch only, although it's not available from dealers.

if you take the microswitch to maplins or radio spares .i think youll find they can replace the switch alone for pennies.

Now that's the proper attitude to car maintenance. Don't accept that you have to buy the smallest sub assembly FIAT will sell you, replace just the part that's failed. Improvise & adapt if you need to. And try if you can to find a way of modifying it so that the repair is better than OEM quality - that way, what's fixed will stay fixed.

It's one of the differences in attitude between a fitter & a true mechanic.

 

[Andy Monty]

It's one of the differences in attitude between a fitter & a true mechanic.

here is another difference in the stuff they use

Fitter:





True mechanic






just be aware you can get different quality's of micro switches look for ones with gold contacts

 

[kch]

OK, so I managed to get the handle assembly off (after a quick dash to Halfords for a socket set), and I can see the microswtch. I sprayed WD40 in there, and it is clicking away happily BUT still not working.

I see on the Multipla thread tales of replacing the microswitch using one from Maplins. But I can't see any screws, or easy way to get the old microswitch out.

Anyone done a microswitch replacement on a Panda ?

Thanks for all replies so far, and this is looking like I need to buy a whole new handle assembly...

 

[kch]

Latest news...

I pressure washed the car last night, and hey presto, this morning the boot lock is now working using the handle & microswitch.

So whether this was becasue of the WD40, or the pressure washer dislodging dirty either in and around the microswitch, or in the handle someplace, or a combination of both, it is working again.

At least I now know how to remove the handle assembly in case it happens again.