liftgate opens by itself and generates "Trunklid OPEN" error

[xxx]

Originally Posted by SeattleTopaz

This happens almost everyday in the morning. After the car's been sitting overnight in the garage when I pull out and the car is at an angle with the driveway I get a "Trunklid OPEN" msg on the dash at which point I have to get out, open and slam the liftgate closed again. Most of the time the gate appears to be securely closed, but I've had it be opened as well where you don't have to use the handle-switch to actually open the latch, it just lifts up.

Again, seems to occur only in the mornings or after the car has been sitting for a while so I suspect condesation is a culprit an I'm thinking the fault is somewhere in the switch for the liftgate that comes as that one-piece lift handle underneath the roundel. Any comments/suggestions from people who've experienced similar problems would be much appreciated... before I buy the whole part and have it painted.

I had the same problem.

It turned out to be water that gets past the part of the trunk lid that has the button to open it on it.

Try pulling out the license plate lights it you have water there this is most likely your problem.

good luck

[trooper]

That's very interesting about the licplate light becuase I'm having this trunklid problem too and I also have a licplate light that is out. So, I get both messages. One - check licplate light - and the other - trunklid open. It really is a most annoying problem. I also notice that it mostly happens when it's been raining.

Don't know if I'm glad that I'm not the only one or PO'd that these little things arent under a lifetime warranty.

[amadu]

01 X, happened during rain and snow; dealership said that it was a known problem... covered under warranty.
cheers

[amanda1703]

i have had the same problem boot lock opening on its own!!!!and i have the solution it is the water washer pipe that runs through the boot lid you have to unscrew the the bootlid spoiler and the rubber sleeves that cover the wiring that is where the pipe runs through on the left hand side as and that is where you will find the split in pipe.When you press the water washer it works ok but insde the skin of the bootlid the water is running into your 2 number plate bulbs the complete unit where them bulbs are located comes as a sealed united if you boot does not open from the pressure pad then you will need the complete unit what undoes from the outside of the car by 4 star screws....if you have water in you bulb holders and it is corroded green with water in them then you defently have a split pipe ..where the pipe is split is normally where the boot lifts up and you will have to cut the pipe and rejoin because that pipe runs through the complete car i hope this helps if not just contact me

[cj10jeeper]

Anyone have any variations on solutions on this one?

My tailgate kept opening randomly when I engaged reverse, put lights on or off, etc. so I replaced the microswitch and harness inside the upper tailgate lift and also the tailgate latch motor.

That stopped it opening in error, but now each time I start the car I get the 'bootlid open' error on the dashboard. Of course it's perfectly well closed.

I'm wondering if it can be the referenced chaffing of wires in the harness going through the upper corner of the tailgate?

I don't want to visit the dealer they just want to charge hundreds of £'s just to diagnose before they start.

[Michelle]

Add me to the list. I've had a license plate bulb out for a couple of weeks, it's been raining like crazy, and twice yesterday my liftgate opened on its own.

I already have my X scheduled to go in for service this morning - Service Engine Soon light was on from Sunday through yesterday morning. The SES light is no longer on as of yesterday evening and I was going to cancel the service appointment, but now I'm taking it in for the liftgate issue.