hatch open without hitting button?

[HamannE53]

something wierd happens on my X recently since someone brought up that it happened to them on the forum...when i hop in my truck at night...turn on my headlights and press the brakes...i dunno at which point it occurs since its a routine i do at night...the hatch opens up and domelight comes on ...anyone experienced this before...bad ground...fuse...short...demons?

[Mackskibum]

Probably just coincidence with the situation you describe. This problem is well documented- is usually related to wiring problems in the hatch- either wet or corrosion. What year is your X? I had this issue with my '00 a couple of years ago.

[DINANM3]

same thing happened to my 2004 they changed the switch actuator in the trunk

[HamannE53]

Originally Posted by Mackskibum

Probably just coincidence with the situation you describe. This problem is well documented- is usually related to wiring problems in the hatch- either wet or corrosion. What year is your X? I had this issue with my '00 a couple of years ago.

its a 2001; seems a little logical since it happened when it was raining today, and considering when i went to an underground parkinglot later on it didn't happen. -not that it always happened, but i noticed it happen a few times...its the 2nd time it happened. at first i thought i accidentally hit the button
then today it happened again, and then another...2 consecutive times and i realized it was a problem. i thought it was either when i go through the sequence of keys in the ignition, turning on headlights, applying the brake, putting it in reverse, which all affect something with the tailgate since the lights are in the back, but couldnt trace anything electrical to short out or ground the hatch from opening. ...so i guess any related experience would help THankS for any further enlightenments!

[Mackskibum]

There is a TSB on this- know pattern failure on early X5s. I don't know exactly what is replaced, but the dealer knew exactly what the problem was.