Maxidot says tailgate open... but it's not!

[Mark Beecham]

I'm having a problem with my recent new Yeti... Had the car new at start of September. Model year is 13 and it's Elegance spec.

When I get into the driver's seat, in Maxidot, the car outline diagram shows the tailgate window as white, an indication that it thinks the tailgate is open.

The tailgate isn't open - the tailgate is fully latched and stays shut; it's flush with the car body and is not ajar. Locking the car with the remote key, it all locks and goes to sleep - it's not prevented by any open door (I would expect it to refuse to lock if a door was genuinely open).

Double-unlocking with the remote key (single to open driver door and then again to open the rest of the doors) will allow me to open the tailgate with the pressure-switch in the tailgate’s handle.

Using just the "open tailgate" button on the remote key is not currently working - nothing happens, and I can't open the tailgate. (It has worked previously)

When I'm in the car and start up to drive off, the Maxidot remains showing that the tailgate is open (when it's closed) and all the interior lights stay on for the entire journey... as if I'm driving along with the door open!

What does anybody think may be wrong, please?

[vegit8]

My suggestion is to wheel it straight back to the dealers and get them to fix it.

What you are describing is not right.

[Brijo]

+1

[fordfan]

Sounds like a micro switch on the lock/latch mechanism is stuck.

[CFB]

At a guess, the tailgate is monitored by a Magnet activated micro switch somewhere on the lower edge of the boot opening.

That switch is probably faulty or has come away from its location causing the error.

As above, best get it into the dealer to look at.

[Mark Beecham]

Thanks folks. I was thinking some sort of "is the door shut?" switch fault.

Will be giving dealer a ring tomorrow...

[Llanigraham]

A while ago a few people noticed something similar and it was pointed out that the boot needs a hefty shove to shut it. If done gently it looks like it is closed but in fact isn't. I suggest giving it good thump shut first, then if that doesn't cure it take it back to the dealer.

[mikespike]

A while ago a few people noticed something similar and it was pointed out that the boot needs a hefty shove to shut it. If done gently it looks like it is closed but in fact isn't. I suggest giving it good thump shut first, then if that doesn't cure it take it back to the dealer.

I have had my Yeti a month now - and just the other day could not work out why the interior lights wouldnt go out when I locked the car. Sat reading thru the handbook . . . then noted that the maxidot was telling me the boot was open . . . . it looked closed to me - but I re-opened it - closed firmly - and that did the trick. internal light problem now sorted.

Edited 16 October, 2012 by mikespike

[kibby]

Our latch needed adjustment to cure this fault. The boot hatch also needed a good slam that felt

unnecessary to close boot properly Not sure if they changed/repaired a micro switch.

Edited 16 October, 2012 by kibby

[Mark Beecham]

Well,... tried a couple of slams (as hard as I dare!) but not changed.

Spoke to dealer today and dropping off with them on Monday for them to take a look.

[musso]

A while ago a few people noticed something similar and it was pointed out that the boot needs a hefty shove to shut it. If done gently it looks like it is closed but in fact isn't. I suggest giving it good thump shut first, then if that doesn't cure it take it back to the dealer.

mine did the same for the first few months...needed a good shove to close properly...

It always seemed to be closed when it actually wasn't and the boot warning light would sometime go on while driving.

[MikeWales]

Seems to be a bit of a common problem with the boot door. Mine is the same, sometimes doesn't close without a hefty thud, sometimes it doesn't open on the press switch on the key fob.

I'm sure others have noticed how dirty the area in-between the bottom of the boot door and the bumper gets. Got to remember to open the boot when cleaning to get all the muck off.

[Mark Beecham]

Well, dropped it off at the dealer last night ready for them to have a look at it this morning... and by 09:30 today they'd called me: it needs a new boot latch.

On order for overnight delivery, for fitting the next day.

Update: Fitted and sorted by late morning... and they washed the car too! Thanks to Billy and the team in Warrington!

Edited 24 October, 2012 by Mark Beecham