Hi guys, first time posting.. so Hi!

 

I have a Skoda Fabia 2003 Estate 1.2 Petrol

 

I got up this morning to find my boot wouldn't open. When i press the button above the Plate, nothing happens, no noise.. Just as if the boot was locked. I have a release next to the drivers side and when i use it, the boot clicks open but it doesnt allow me to lift it up, It only moves slightly (like when you dont shut a door properly and you have to re-open it or push it shut firmly) I think that this has always been a problem though..

Anyway, I've had to climb through the back seats to release it manually with the catch to actually get it to open. I have tried opening all doors and then trying to boot, engine off and on and nothing. Both electric windows open, inside lights work.

 

What could be the problem?

 

Any help would be great.

Thanks.

 

Adam

There is a spring plunger next to the latch hook that pushes the tailgate open when you operate the cable release or the switch. Is this plunger working OK? It should feel like a firm spring when pressed.

Could the boot release switch be dodgy mine had washer fluid leak on it and corrode connections

There is a spring plunger next to the latch hook that pushes the tailgate open when you operate the cable release or the switch. Is this plunger working OK? It should feel like a firm spring when pressed.

 

I'm able to push it down but i wouldn't say it feels like a firm spring. Is this why it's not being pushed open when I use the boot lever next to the driver side seat?

 

Could the boot release switch be dodgy mine had washer fluid leak on it and corrode connections

 

Quite possibly, any way to check without garage visit?

Edited 6 October, 201411 yr by Meadsy

I'm able to push it down but i wouldn't say it feels like a firm spring. Is this why it's not being pushed open when I use the boot lever next to the driver side seat?

 

 

 

 

Yeah, that's what I meant. It should definitely be a firm spring. If the electric switch/release was broken you'd still be able to use the manual release.

Yeah, that's what I meant. It should definitely be a firm spring. If the electric switch/release was broken you'd still be able to use the manual release.

 

Ok that answers why that lever doesn't properly open the boot, cheers i'll see about getting a replacement.  Any suggestions as to why I can't open it normally. I've just been for a drive and everything (electric) works ok, just the boot button is realy annoying me as I need to get a buggy in and out frequently.

Ok that answers why that lever doesn't properly open the boot, cheers i'll see about getting a replacement. Any suggestions as to why I can't open it normally. I've just been for a drive and everything (electric) works ok, just the boot button is realy annoying me as I need to get a buggy in and out frequently.

Does the electric switch work on the bootlid?

Took a video of mine for you. See if yours is like this... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC-lEop153o

Does the electric switch work on the bootlid?

 

The one above the Number plate? No..

Took a video of mine for you. See if yours is like this...

 

I just been out to try it again and it's about the same to be honest. Im guessing there's something wrong with the wires between the Boot release trigger and the mechanism.

I just been out to try it again and it's about the same to be honest. Im guessing there's something wrong with the wires between the Boot release trigger and the mechanism.

 

Ah OK. Don't understand why the manual release doesn't open it though.

Ah OK. Don't understand why the manual release doesn't open it though.

 

Yeah it's annoying, I've searched around a lil' and there's a tension wire which may have become slack which is causing it not to open with the manual release.

 

As to the Boot release, I'm going to try and take the boot trim off and have a look, does anyone know the best way to do this?

 

thanks again.

Tailgate trim just pulls off around the edges. It's held on with 14 metal clips. Pull it very firmly. They are a real pain to get back on though.

 

Bottom trim (on boot ledge) over the catch has two screws and clips.

Tailgate trim just pulls off around the edges. It's held on with 14 metal clips. Pull it very firmly. They are a real pain to get back on though.

Bottom trim over the catch has two screws and clips.

Its a PITA to put back on, check the wiring and the switch

Its a PITA to put back on,

 

They really are. I siliconed all my clips in the right place so they line up better

They really are. I siliconed all my clips in the right place so they line up better

I gave up with mine in the end and put a piece of black flat plastic over it all

I gave up with mine in the end and put a piece of black flat plastic over it all

 

Nice one

Ok, I've taken the smaller bit off which cover the manual release mechanism and was able to tighten it which has allowed me to use the Manual release effectively now.

 

Just a question as to whats up with the release on the tailgate, but for now at lease I have the manual so i don't have to clamber in the boot everytime i want to open it.

 

THanks for all the posts.

Sorry to thread jack, is it difficult to fit the switch above the number plate? I've only got the manual switch by the drivers door - would be nice to open from the outside when the car is unlocked

Sorry to thread jack, is it difficult to fit the switch above the number plate? I've only got the manual switch by the drivers door - would be nice to open from the outside when the car is unlocked

I couldn't see it being that difficult if the wiring is there but I've never done it myself

Probably not there! I do have the poverty spec fabia!

Probably not there! I do have the poverty spec fabia!

So did I!

Hey Guys been a while Since I posted on this topic but I have found and fixed my problem myself.. Here's how..

 

I took off the tailgate trim to expose the windscreen mechanism and boot release button, I noticed that there was a loose wire. There are two nuts that hold the button in place, when they are loosened you can just pop the button out. I managed to clean off the old solder, cut/strip the wire down and solder it back on. Re-fitted it and it worked like a charm.

 

Saved myself a lot of money by not taking it to a garage and thanks to all who helped on this topic.

 

Hopefully this will help anyone else with a similar problem.

 

Thanks!