Technical Trunk latch trouble on 2012 FIAT 500

[gloriaerani]

Hi! I just bought a 2012 FIAT 500, which I affectionately call my teeny tiny SUV for the amount of stuff I can fit in it, but as of today am unable to open the hatchback. A few days ago, the rubber part under the trunk handle that covers the microswitch that releases the trunk fell off. I was still able to operate the trunk by pressing the microswitch directly, which was a bit loose. I figured that the switch was wired into the handle, but today the car was parked in the hot hot sun and the microswitch seems to have fallen off completely and left a gluey mess as well as an unopenable trunk! There are no loose wires. Does anyone have any idea if/how I can go about fixing this without replacing the whole door handle? The car is not under warranty. Many thanks!!

 

[portland_bill]

The microswitch in these and the Panda tend to seize. From Fiat, a complete handle is the only way to fix.
However, for my Panda, I fitted a small microswitch, connecting it to the wires normally going to the Fiat switch. To operate the latch, the two are just connected, to send the required message to the body computer.

This: https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/push-button-switches/6903264/?sra=pstk
No idea whether those guys will deliver to the US, but the switch is made in the far East, and plenty similar or identical are on Ebay UK, so I'd think you could find one.

On the Panda, it was possible to fit this to the left of the left license plate lamp, and is almost unnoticeable. Being right handed it would have been better to the right, but on the Panda the key lock is there.
The 500 is a little different, but it is probably worth removing the handle assembly and seeing what is possible. The datasheet of the above switch should give dimensions.
Needs a day to remove, cut a hole, cut the wires, extend them a little, connect up and refit. Been working well for nearly two years now.

Another issue with the 500 is that the wiring across the tailgate hinge chafes. When wires connect all sorts of issues happen. There are repair kits on Ebay. This may need doing sometime.

Hopefully you are aware that there is a little release lever on the latch mechanism that releases it. You will of course have to fold the seats and go into the trunk head first.

 

[typecastboy]

I have a sport complete thing but the brushed chrome outer casing is broken. I had to buy a new one but the actual complete mechanism is working and intact. I would be happy to send it to you by airmail. PM me if you’re interested.

 

[typecastboy]

Here it is