Hi All, this is a puzzle.I have a55 plate Focus TDCI 5 door. The lock on the tailgate unlocks when I press the foot brake, only when the vehicle is stationary, when the car is moving and I brake nothing happens. Anyone any ideas??

Sounds to me like a short between the third brake light and the boot release solenoid cables.
The cables pass through the umbilical at the top of the tailgate and can become brittle with time and continual flexing.
I reckon a trip to a good auto electrician will sort you out.
If you were near Plymouth i could recommend an excellent one.
The 55 plate is a Mk2?
I know knackered cables were a big problem in Mk1 / 1.5's, i had it myself on a Mk1 and it burned out the release solenoid and affected the rear wiper and the brake light too.

[quote name='Stoney871' timestamp='1324579801' post='157734']
Sounds to me like a short between the third brake light and the boot release solenoid cables.
The cables pass through the umbilical at the top of the tailgate and can become brittle with time and continual flexing.
I reckon a trip to a good auto electrician will sort you out.
If you were near Plymouth i could recommend an excellent one.
The 55 plate is a Mk2?
I know knackered cables were a big problem in Mk1 / 1.5's, i had it myself on a Mk1 and it burned out the release solenoid and affected the rear wiper and the brake light too.
[/quote]

I would start by checking the cabling to the tail gate but also the earth for it.

Thanks Stoney






[quote name='Stoney871' timestamp='1324579801' post='157734']
Sounds to me like a short between the third brake light and the boot release solenoid cables.
The cables pass through the umbilical at the top of the tailgate and can become brittle with time and continual flexing.
I reckon a trip to a good auto electrician will sort you out.
If you were near Plymouth i could recommend an excellent one.
The 55 plate is a Mk2?
I know knackered cables were a big problem in Mk1 / 1.5's, i had it myself on a Mk1 and it burned out the release solenoid and affected the rear wiper and the brake light too.
[/quote]

Please do let me know the outcome of the fault.
Be nice to know i didn't give you duff info.

Hi Stoney, I had a quick look today and notice quite a few drips of water coming out of the trim that runs across the top/inside the boot. I wonder if water can seep through the rear spoiler/ 3rd brake light housing, anyway it will have to wait till after New year before I can to the garage for them to have a proper look. I will keep you posted and all the seasonal best

Ian