Water ingress

[Kev0607]

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone has experienced this.

The microswitch that you press to close the boot has failed on my Dad's V70 (the boot can still be closed manually, so its not a huge deal). What I did notice is the trim that goes around the switch is soaked with water. I suspect water has got inside the switch and likely destroyed the electrics.

It seems like an odd place for water to be getting in. When the boot lid is closed, I can't figure how water would be getting underneath the boot lid and soaking the interior trim near the close boot switch? The seal is also wet at the bottom of the boot lid.

Any ideas... ?

[Kev0607]

This is the sealing strip that goes around the boot. I've noticed mine has a few tears on it, but its dry where the tears are? Where its wet, the rubber is intact with no rips?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/384112431720

Expensive seal.

[Georgeandkira]

Also, water in known to enter the tailgate (an Americanism) through the wiper's drive arm.

[Kev0607]

I think I might do a smoke test on it. Don't particularly want to buy a £100+ seal for nothing. The seller above is in Lithuania... not ideal for a job that needs doing soon, considering it doesn't stop raining! The dealer will probably be even more expensive for the same seal.

Wherever the smoke comes out is where water is getting in. That's my thoughts anyway. Or get someone to soak the outside boot/tailgate with a hosepipe and see if I can if there's any water on the inside of the boot area (Fold rear seats down and climb inside).

[Kev0607]

Update: On closer inspection of the boot seal that goes around the aperture of the inside of the boot, its ripped in quite a few places and is generally in poor condition. I can only assume that this is an original seal. It has definitely seen better days.

I phoned Parts for Volvo, as I've used them on multiple occasions and they were as helpful as they usually are. They sell a generic universal seal, but it didn't look wide enough and the chap on the phone said he didn't think it would work either, as its more suited for older cars. He actually said that universal seal they sell would fit the Volvo 240 perfectly. No good for a V70 though.

I've ordered a boot seal from the main dealer. Surprisingly, it was actually cheaper than Ebay listings! £83.40 inc VAT. Awaiting for it to arrive from the parts depot to the dealership, then I'll collect it.

[GMcL]

What does the switch (the pad you press to release the boot) itself look like ? I had to replace the complete strip holding the switch on my S60, the pad had cracked.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by GMcL

What does the switch (the pad you press to release the boot) itself look like ? I had to replace the complete strip holding the switch on my S60, the pad had cracked.

Seems fine. When I press the handle, the boot opens itself under its own power. When I press the button to close, it does nothing. I have to close it manually... not the end of the world.

I suspect water has got in and blown the close boot switch.

[GMcL]

Sorry, my mistake, I interpreted incorrectly as you already said micro switch to close the boot as opposed the panel on the outside.

I had the issue you describe with my Focus estate. It was the battery, not enough oomph to drive the motors in the struts. You've obviously found moisture. Not a bad shout to replace the seal anyway if it's all cracked.

[yostumpy]

Do you actually know the switch has blown? There is a well documented fault with the wiring loom, just inside the door, up in the headlining, it’s the constant moving of the wires when boot opens and closes. A wire breaks. Maybe remove the switch with the door open, then touch the 2 wires together. If nothing happens then it’s the loom .