Boot Won't Unlock

[jdoocey]

I loaded up my Citroen C4 yesterday morning for the school run, only to find my boot wouldn't open when we reached the school, and hasnt done since. Ive unlocked it from inside using a screwdriver. Tried to lock the car by the central locking, but it wouldn't lock, which makes me think its not a faulty sensor as it 'sensed' the boot was open. I don't know if this is related, but my key fob stopped working around 2 months ago. I changed the battery but it still didn't work so have been accessing my car by the lock on the passenger door. 

 

Help on either/both issues would be gratefully received.

 

[paul.h]

The wires between the car body and tailgate may be damaged since these commonly break due to flexing as the tailgate is opened/closed.

 

If the key fob battery is replaced it needs to be initialised with the car. The procedure is on the handbook and is something like put the key in the ignition, maybe turn it so the dash lights up and then hold down the key lock button until the doors lock.

[jdoocey]

Thanks. RE Key Fob,  I haven't got the handbook, so I'll try 'Googling' that.  Yes I thought it may be some sort of wiring issue. But I wouldn't know where to start looking. Is this an Auto Electrician job?

 

Thanks

[jdoocey]

Just wanted to add one more thing that may be relevant. My rear window demister doesn't work either...and hasn't for several months. Are the wires for this in the same place as the tailgate wires? After Googling, it seems these wires are in the rubber rippled tube bit on my boot, right??

[paul.h]

All the wires to the tailgate go through the rubber tube so possibly a few of them have broken or maybe just the earth wire. This is from the C4 Technical section Common Problems pinned topic and it may be worth contacting your Citroen dealer in case they may do the repair free of charge:

13. Tailgate electrical faults - rear wiper, lock.

Caused by wiring between the car body and tailgate in the rubber sleeve breaking. The broken wires need joining, possibly with new sections. Some cars may have been repaired with Citroen paying.

 

You can read/copy/save/print in sections the handbook from here but you may need to select your language first. It includes from 1/10/2006 but this probably applies to earlier cars http://service.citroen.com/ddb/

 

Under the section 'Remote control' it gives:

Re-initialisation of the remote control

After a change of battery, it is necessary to re-initialise the remote control. To do that, switch on the ignition and immediately action button A (door locking button) on your remote control to trigger the action desired. This may take some ten seconds.

 

I have moved your topic into a C4 section since ones outside of one may not show after a few days and then become difficult to find.

[paul.h]

Another question, did the auto gear fault ever come back after the brake pads were replaced ?

[jdoocey]

Yes. The same day. The dealer I bought the car from took it to Citroen and had to change some sensor...cant remember what sensor it was now, but it hasn't done it since thank God. One less thing to worry about

 

Regarding my boot. I'm going to have a look at the wiring loom tomorrow. I've noticed there are two rippled tube's (one on each side). Do you know which one I need to remove to check the wiring? And is it easy enough to remove this tube?  Thank you

[paul.h]

I think the left is wiring and right is the window wash water pipe. If you squeeze the tube you may be able to confirm this. Try pulling/squeezing the tube out at one end to remove it to see the wires. To help it go back a bit of washing up liquid will help it slide back in place.

 

Some pictures here show the wires and damage https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=c4+tailgate+wiring+damage&espv=2&biw=1172&bih=855&tbm=isch&imgil=1t3YqnF-HzVhPM%253A%253Bnv4xC_fMrof3vM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fc4owners.org%25252Fplugins%25252Fforum%25252Fforum_viewtopic.php%25253F186617&source=iu&pf=m&fir=1t3YqnF-HzVhPM%253A%252Cnv4xC_fMrof3vM%252C_&usg=__wVfTwWdUzfLTOtOpBiINrurvIwA%3D&ved=0ahUKEwj296GyyvXKAhUBwxoKHczuBD0QyjcINA&ei=T5K_VraUKoGGa8zdk-gD#imgrc=1t3YqnF-HzVhPM%3A

[jdoocey]

Thank you so much for your help. You've been fab. I'll have a look and let you know if I have any success. ....fingers crossed. 

[jdoocey]

One more thing, I am assuming I will need to disconnect the battery if it does prove my wiring is faulty and need to work on this. Will this affect my radio...as I don't have any code for it?  Thanks again

[paul.h]

If it is the original radio it will be coded to the car and will not require a code to be entered if the battery is disconnected. If you keep the key out of the ignition switch I would not think you need to disconnect the battery but if you do decide to disconnect the battery do not do it too quickly since the bsi (cabin fusebox) needs time to shut down - there is a procedure in the C4 technical section pinned Common Problems topic you can use,