Boot Lid Handle Switch Fault - Temp Fixed

[babylon x5]

X5 (E53) 3.0d, 2003, Auto / Steptronic

Hi Kids,

I have had my 'weekly' X5 fault.  Upper boot door switch erratic.
It has been sluggish for a while, having to feel around the handle to set the micro switches off.
However, at the weekend it started opening itself when we got back from shopping, sometimes multiple clicks.
I thought it might be one of the key remotes but taking them out of range did not solve the problem.
I also noted that the manual opening was no longer working.  Neither of the switches appeared to be working.

I disabled the random opening of the lid by removing the 'Remote' fuse and used the manual lock unlock only.

Yesterday I removed the handle assembly underneath the badge for examination.  It appeared to be water ingress as there was evidence of water running down by the NP lights. 
I cut back the rubber cover from the switch and there was water around the PCB.  Skooshed out with WD40, soaked up as much as I could.  Testing the switches (should short across centre contacts of the connector), nothing on both at first but one started to work after fiddling.  Connected to car but same, multi clicking when connecting and no manual opening.  More WD40 on the connector and dried it out on the radiator overnight. 

Connected the unit this morning - No multi clicking when connecting as before, and BOTH switches now working.  All tickety Boo.  I have glued back the rubber, not sure that it is that permanent though.  I also managed to snap the the tabs on both the NP light covers so they are not as water proof as they should be.

NOTE FOR OTHER BOARDERS :  The problem is likely to have been caused by me washing that area with the hose brush.  I usually lift the lid to get to the number plate on the tailgate but I have washed the upper bit - perhaps we should 'nt ?

If anyone has a second hand unit in their garage, I might be interested !

Babyling X5

[Sanj]

Well done! Never use a jet-wash and like you say, keep the lid closed, helps keep water away from that area. Let gravity do it's work...

Next, watch the number plate lights! I'm particularly proud of my How-To on the subject....  ;D

[babylon x5]

Aw, cheers mate.

I had already seen your artwork - read through most of the posts, especially on 'how to'
Hope to have a replacement unit by the time the lights fail, otherwise I will have to invest in a Dremel !

What do you recommend - petrol or electric ?

B X5

[Bargain Bucket]

[quote="babylon x5"]
X5 (E53) 3.0d, 2003, Auto / Steptronic

I cut back the rubber cover from the switch and there was water around the PCB.
[/quote]

I'm very interested in this bit as my tailgate no longer operates from the handle. How did you cut it back in such a way that you could put the rubber back i.e. without destroying it?

[babylon x5]

[/quote]

I'm very interested in this bit as my tailgate no longer operates from the handle. How did you cut it back in such a way that you could put the rubber back i.e. without destroying it?

[/quote]

There are threads already with pics, which is where I got the inspiration from.
I was quite lucky in that a good clean out and dried worked on this occasion.
Unfortunately, if it is something to do with the circuit board it is a bit of a bitch to get to.
I would go the replacement route if it happens to me - speak to Der DremelMiester 'Sanj' (as above)

You cant really see the repair but I am not sure how it will hold up in the long run.
If its aethsetics your into - buy a new one or good second hand but a used unit will also be 10 years old.

Careful with the lenses on the NP lights the clip will break on one side and lose its seal.

B X5


It does