Ok, so here's the usual story...trunk mechanism won't work, can only open using the manual key, and only shuts when you slam it. I wanted to check the wires for any issues, so I pulled both ends of the rubber harness and didn't see any problems. My question is could it be possible that there's wire damage in the middle section of the harness? There's only so much you can inspect without completely cutting that rubber in half. Also, I'm getting a constant "Boot Open" message on the dash, even after I've slammed it shut. Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

Kind of sounds like the switch next to the latch may not be operating properly, causing the car to think the trunk (boot) lid is still open. Check the switch works first with a multi-meter while pushing the switch down with a finger.

 

Damaged wiring inside the rubber boot is possible but very uncommon on this car.

I would point out that if the wiring is damaged it is inside the insulation and not easy to see or find.

You have to search along each wire bending it as you go and trying to decide if the wire is broken inside.

The latch mechanism consists of a small electric motor with two switches integral to the latch. Not easy to repair I suspect but not difficult to replace
if you have proved it faulty.

Personally I would test it on the bench using an old battery as a 12V supply.

 

An interesting thing happened this morning. The Boot Open message was gone at startup. However, after about 10 mins, the warning light began to flicker on and off when I would hit rough spots in the road. It did this for about 5 minutes before it came on to stay. I'm starting to think there is wire damage hidden in that rubber harness somewhere. Any thoughts on how to cut that thing open?

 

Well it's a concertina type of rubber tube isn't it.

How about cutting it into sections in a few of the valleys ie at right angles to the wire direction.

Then when you have finished hopefully it will sort of hang together.

 

I think you are risk of creating a whole lot more problems for yourself now and into the future by cutting into an undisturbed wiring harness for what might not even be a wiring harness problem. I would start with checking the boot latch and the latch switches, as being mechanical in nature, they are far more likely to be the problem than undisturbed wires in a harness. If the car has been in a wreck where wiring might have been compromised, then that would be the next place to look. Perhaps it is time to take it to a trusted shop for diagnosis.

 

The problem is I no longer have a trusted shop. New owner is a complete tool.

Happened again this morning...no Boot Open message, then the flickering starts after a hit a nasty bump in the road. Could the latch and latch switches be causing this intermittent message??

 

Update: I was able to confirm this weekend that it is not a problem with the wiring harness. I was able to slam it shut and have the message disappear, only to reappear at the first pothole in the road. When going at speed on these bumpy Southern California freeways, the Boot Open message continues to flicker on and off. Obviously, whatever it is is very sensitive to movement.

 

Update: finally got round to ordering a new trunk motor. Installed, and now everything is working perfectly again. I wish I had just bit the bullet right away instead of having a busted trunk for 3 years.

 

Hindsight is a marvelous thing isn't it :-)

I'm just like you. I leave it, until I can stand it no more and then fix it, most of the time. I am currently leaving my heater core until it starts to get cold again before replacing it (why i'm waiting I don't know, I have the funds to purchase the replacement now!!).