I have a 95 M ford escort, 1.6 zetec.
My boot release button does not work properly. Sometimes it works, other times it does not. I press the button when the ignition is turned off. When it does not work, the de-mister light illuminates and so does the light for the rear foglights. (sometimes, when I put the rear wiper on, it does not work, and instead the demister light illuminates. Does anyone know what the problem is, and how much it will cost to fix?
The problem is made wors by the fact that the boot cannot be opened using the key (the lock has jammed/siezed). I am thining of buying a new lock. Would I be able to get one from a scrap yard, or would I have to go to Ford?
From my question, you can probably tell that i don't know much about cars, but I would appreciate your help, especially if you own/ have owned an escort and experienced similar problems.
Thanks,
Ish.
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This is the classic symptom of a bad earth to the tailgate.(same problem on fiesta,Ka ) The earth circuit runs thro the tailgate hinge pins.A quick fix is to lubricate the hinges with some rust penetrating fluid then gently tap the pins along their length in each direction..A more permanent fix is to run an additional cable from the tailgate to the body.HTH
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I am not sure how to run an additional cable from the tailgate. Can you please give a bit more detail.
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I had this on a H reg escort years ago. As suggested it is a bad earth and/or connection where the brass pins make contact with the plates when the boot is closed. Give them a good clean if needsbe use a bit of fine wire wool but if you use wire wool disconnect the battery first in case you short anything out. (Dont forget to find your radio code first!!)
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Having re-read your message the boot lock problem is also a problem I had. I had to get mine replaced along with the drivers door barrel. Its worth inserting the key and as you turn it to attempt to open the boot, make a clockwise cicular motion with the end of the key where you hold it. Sounds crazy but it worked on my Escort.
Not sure where you are but local to me in Gloucester is a small motor shop owned by an ex-ford worker and he repairs Ford locks. His name is Vern Cameron and his number is 01452 504145. I think he would be able to help and post the lock back to you. Hope this helps! Let me know.
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Hi, this happened to my Escort. My mechanic drilled 2 holes, one in the boot and one in the car side, near the hinge and just ran a new earth across. It has been fine since.
Andy
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Which mechanic did you use Andy???
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My mechanic drilled 2 holes, one in the boot and one in the car side, near the hinge and just ran a new earth across.
Self-tapping screws might help to ensure a good contact at both ends of the wire.
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L\'escargot.
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Self-tapping screws might help to ensure a good contact
Using self-tapping scews .......
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L\'escargot.
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thanks for the help guys. I have sprayed some wd 40 on the hinges and pushed the pins from side to side. It seems to have fixed the problem. When I get a bit more time, I will remove the pins and get rid of the rust properly. Would it be simpler to replace the pins with brand new nuts and bolts? Would this work??
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It seems to have fixed the problem. When I get a bit more time, I will remove the pins and get rid of the rust properly. Would it be simpler to replace the pins with brand new nuts and bolts? Would this work??
It will work, but unless it happens again I'd just pack it with vaseline and leave be.
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Mike Farrow
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Hi all. First post on the forum. First of many hopefully.
I have this exact same problem but I'm struggling to find the hinge that people are reffering to. any help please much appreciated.
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