Guys- I ran into the following issue and wanted to share how I fixed the issue.

Last Friday, driving - every time I hit a bump the "boot open" message would temporarily flash on my message center. The next day it was on permanently with the boot closed, so I couldn't arm the car alarm either.

First (naturally) I thought it was the switch itself. Removed and cleaned with electrical contact cleaner. Worked when I pressed the plunger with the boot open. Close the hood - didn't work.

Next I put a jumper to each terminal on the harness side. Worked with boot open and closed the boot, didn't work.

So, it had to be a loose/broken wire in the trunk harness. Sure enough - when the boot was closed the harness, which runs down the trunk lid then over the parcel shelf is very tight.

I found that one ground was completely disconnected (as I wiggled the harness I must have broke it) and the other was on it's way out.

I used 26-22 gauge Radio Shack butt connectors (sourced from another member on the Forum that had the same issue on his 99 XJ8) - I fixed both connectors - but what I did to "lengthen" the harness was as follows:

1) Partially dropped parcel shelf.
2) Disconnected the cable for the rear seat catch and fished the cable back into the trunk area (harness is looped around it)
3) Dropped trunk harness from parcel shelf, removed the seat release cable and relocated the harness to the side of the parcel shelf - behind the trunk panel - attaching it to the lower part of the panel away from the trunk spring end.
4) Grease the cable for the rear seat catch when fitting it back through the rubber body connector - it's a PITA to do...

So now when the boot closes the harness is not "stretched".

Thought I'd share this experience. No pictures it was too cold and I was in a hurry to get it done.

So, now my boot open message is gone and I even gained lights in the trunk again as a bonus.

If you run into this issue, check the harness right near the top of the parcel shelf where it curves towards the rear seats - that is where your broken wire may be.

I also came across this Service Bulletin during my research. Sure enough with everything apart this "fix" of re-routing the body harness (both sides of car) wasn't completed so I relocated per the instructions as a precaution. (was rather easy)

 

Now that is a post worth reading!!
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