S60 Electrics: Boot Opening Mechanism

[gibby26]

I have an 03 plate S60 D5 and the boot will not open using the key fob or the release switch in the boot and I have to use the key. Now and then the boot will open properly. This obviously is an intermittent fault. Has anyone experienced this problem or any idea what the problem is ??. Any help would be appreciated.

[ianbr]

Probably the cable that goes round the hinge has on or more broken conductors. Mine went a couple of years ago (originally the number plate lights but then the boot switch went). It is a small loom that you could replace or in my case I eventually replaced it with a section of 7 core towbar hook uk cable spliced into the original connectors. The cable I used was the same OD as the original so all the gromets were a nice snug fit. Took a couple of hours but still working well.

[gibby26]

Having read your response and other on the subject the wiring seems the most suspect. When I use the key fob I can hear the relay clicking. Originally I thought it ws the boot lock but as the fault is intermittent the wiring seems the most likley.

[Neil16377]

had roughly the same probs, few weeks back on a v70, problem with mine was the wire that pushes the lock to open had slipped out of line causing it to miss the mechanism, one day it worked, but after closing the vibration would slip the wire out of line,
not saying its the same but does require a look.. easy fix "cable tie to hold in position"

[159john]

Originally Posted by Neil16377

had roughly the same probs, few weeks back on a v70, problem with mine was the wire that pushes the lock to open had slipped out of line causing it to miss the mechanism, one day it worked, but after closing the vibration would slip the wire out of line,
not saying its the same but does require a look.. easy fix "cable tie to hold in position"

Probably worth spraying some WD40 into the actual lock mechanism. My boot wouldn't close a couple of weeks ago because the mechanism had stuck in the 'open' position. After much headscratching, a liberal spray of WD40 freed it up and it's been fine ever since. May not solve your problem - but worth a try just in case it is just that the mechanism is a bit stiff.

[Jim314]

Originally Posted by 159john

Probably worth spraying some WD40 into the actual lock mechanism. My boot wouldn't close a couple of weeks ago because the mechanism had stuck in the 'open' position. After much headscratching, a liberal spray of WD40 freed it up and it's been fine ever since. May not solve your problem - but worth a try just in case it is just that the mechanism is a bit stiff.

I question whether WD40 is a good lubricant for many of the applications that people employ it in. It may temporarily lubricate, but soon evaporates. Worse yet in the amounts that are usually applied, it will dissolve the proper heavier lubricant that is in place. Applied in ultra small amounts it could possibly refresh dried grease and make a mechanism work better, but it would be much better to apply the proper lubricant.

The WD is reportedly from w(ater) d(isplacement). Of course it may be that the original formulation was narrowly formulated for water dispacement but the manufacturer has changed the formulation to broaden its applicability.

The worst use I have heard of WD40 is as a liniment applied to the skin to ease pain or free up a sore elbow or knee.