New owner with boot opening issue

[Paul_h_8]

I've done a few searches but can't see any topics realated.

My issue is my 2002 X5 keeps opening the boot this happens when the car is locked and alarm starts to go of. I've done a few searched on the net and believe a new battery could fix this issue. Anybody else had this issue?

[Y13HYA]

Iv read and experience an issue with the wires being frayed and touching each other causing the boot to open. Take the boot lid cover off (4 torx screws) and you will find a connector with 4 wires on, check the wiring and insulate if required.

Cheers

[X5Sport]

Not come across that one with a battery related issue.  It sounds more like the boot lock mechanism has developed a fault if it's acting on its own.

Richard

[Paul_h_8]

Thanks, ill check wires tonight. Has anybody had to replace the boot mechanism due to this issue.

[Y13HYA]

mine was playing up whe i had it washed or it rained. (thinking the water caused the wiring to go funky. ONce dried out would be fine. IT used to happen when switching lights off and back on (the number plate lights + and boot mechanism + is on the same wiring connector with 1 -.
Touch wood has been fine for a while.

[Paul_h_8]

I can't get the issue to replicate again which I'm not sure is a good thing or a bad thing. Last thing I wanna do is park car whilst out shopping and come back to find car is open and alarm has drained the battery. I've removed the rear handle recess and checked all wires seem ok and don't seem to be shorting out on each other. My button dutton on the handle doesn't open the boot though but I'm guessing the lock mechanism is not this part and its the bit connected to the boot? Also one of the number plate light covers is missing but no water in them. Can a new number plate light cover be bought?

If I knew it was defiantly the lock mechanism I wouldn't mind just ordering one to put my mind at rest. Any advice please

[Bargain Bucket]

It's usually the micro switches in the "handle button" that fail and cause this unwanted opening. So couple with the fact that your button doesn't work, it seems likely that this is the problem. You can (with some effort) source new switches and make a repair but it's fiddly. Other than that, you'll need a new handle which comes in primer and will need painting (or you can try to remove the button from the new handle and fit to your existing handle).

[Paul_h_8]

Thanks ill see if I can source a second hand one locally if not ill order a new one. Thanks

[Chompers]

I have just had the same issue albeit on my Touring. The micro switch on the glass section of the tail gate had water ingress and was shorting causing it to self open and cause battery drain >:( Dealer replace it foc as just out of warranty also checked the wiring loom that runs throught the tailgate and this was also showing signs of wear so sorted as well.

While the X5 and 5er are different the symtoms sound identical. Infact quite common on 5er Touring. Several owners have self repaire the micro switch by spraying with WD40, letting the switch dry out then coating in silicon.

Worth a go 

[Paul_h_8]

Sorry for the newbie reply but which bit is the micro switch? Is it the button that u press to open boot?

[Y13HYA]

[quote="Paul_h_8"]
Sorry for the newbie reply but which bit is the micro switch? Is it the button that u press to open boot?
[/quote]
Buttons withing the boot release handle

[marlin758]

I had this problem a couple of years ago and it was the microswitches in the boot handle.

It is possible to repair it with a bit of patience and a lot of Dremel cutting discs

Replacement microswitches are available from Maplin

Have a read of this thread

http://xdrivers.co.uk/forum/https://xdr ... 428#p14428

It cost me about £10 and has been fine since (2 years)