Boot wouldn't close

[step_change]

Drove off and got a warning the boot was open. "Huh......?" I thought, I hadn't been into the boot and it was fine yesterday when I locked it and parked up. Anyway, I tried to close it with the usual force required and the soft close would not engage after multiple attempts leaving the boot slightly (and clearly) open. I then thought I'd just juice it and slam it and it then closed and engaged. Odd. I then drove around and did my errands and gingerly tried it again a few times and it was fine.

I normally do not leave the car outside in the rain, the car is usually garaged and, as a general rule, I only use the car in the dry. Wonder if the wet and damp of this typical bank holiday has got to it in some way, although no signs of any leaks.

Anyway, all is fine now but wondering what could have been the matter? Any thoughts please? Will keep an eye on it.

 

[Timmyboybunter]

Could be the start of your soft close mechanism wiring giving up - worth a search, very common issue and fairly easy to DIY.

(though the symptoms in my case was the soft close action grabbing, releasing, grabbing, releasing etc - so possibly different)

 

[flybobbie]

My car boot has started catching when opening, as though the hooks aren't pulling back fully.

 

[step_change]

Thanks for the input. I shall investigate this. Searching around this thread comes up that you created flybobbie:
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=91766&start=15

...although it seems the start of the thread is missing as is the video.

 

[flybobbie]

Thanks for the input. I shall investigate this. Searching around this thread comes up that you created flybobbie:
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=91766&start=15

...although it seems the start of the thread is missing as is the video.

Sorry about that, but the thread has many examples of where the fault lies.

 

[step_change]

Yes mate I think I have fathomed it out from the pics, thanks. Need to have a look at this when I get some time. Doesn't seem to be doing it now but the fact that it did it even once suggests there is an underlining issue. I am a dab hand with soldering iron anyway so should be able to work it out.

 

[step_change]

Tested this about 40 times and it never did it again. Hmm, at least I know what to do now if it does reoccur more permanently.

QQ. Will the roof still open and close if the soft close boot mechanism is showing this issue? Last thing I want is to be out 100 miles away, I need to close the roof, and the soft close issue decides to reoccur..... :?

 

[Smartbear]

Tested this about 40 times and it never did it again. Hmm, at least I know what to do now if it does reoccur more permanently.

QQ. Will the roof still open and close if the soft close boot mechanism is showing this issue? Last thing I want is to be out 100 miles away, I need to close the roof, and the soft close issue decides to reoccur..... :?

I would say if the boot closing mechanism malfunctions you’re stuffed.
Rob

 

[Timmyboybunter]

Is the soft close mechanism (the bit affected by dodgy wiring anyway) involved in the roof up/down movement?

 

[step_change]

Is the soft close mechanism (the bit affected by dodgy wiring anyway) involved in the roof up/down movement?

That is my point. The boot lid mechanism is kind of additional to the roof mechanism, I can't see how it would effect it.

 

[enuff_zed]

Is the soft close mechanism (the bit affected by dodgy wiring anyway) involved in the roof up/down movement?

That is my point. The boot lid mechanism is kind of additional to the roof mechanism, I can't see how it would effect it.

I'm sure someone like Robbi will be along to clarify, but I'd think it would check the boot was latched first before moving the roof. Otherwise it would be free to move when the back shell lifted wouldn't it?

 

[Timmyboybunter]

Sorry, yes - engage my brain.

When I had the soft close error, it did first play up on me when I was picking the kids up from school. Roof was up at the time, but the (thankfully 10 minute) journey had the soft close mechanism grabbing and releasing constantly with a 'boot open' bong and warning message on the dash. When I got home I just gently laid the boot lid down - not far enough for the soft close mechanism to grab it, but it was water tight. No way the roof will function in that scenario though as the car knew the boot was open so as per earlier comment you would be buggered if the soft close went with roof down I would think.

 

[step_change]

I will try to do operate the roof if the boot soft close thing fails to work. I am now on tenterhooks with the car and dare not operate the roof in case the soft close fails.

 

[Pondrew]

When I had the soft close error, it did first play up on me when I was picking the kids up from school.

Can't get rid of this image now:

 

[Timmyboybunter]

Ha, good point - Kid singular!

 

[step_change]

Just had all the boot lining studs out and removed the lining panel to look at how this mechanism is screwed into the boot metalwork. Need a large Torx by the look of it that I don't have. The fix looks to be simple enough if it occurs.

I did the open and close another couple of dozen times and all still fine. Hmmm, I may leave it and keep an eye on it. I just did it that once and it is on my mind now though. Boot light works fine as well.