For quite a while, pressing this button on the dashboard has always been a hit and miss.

I couldn't tell if wiggling it a bit helped or not but now it just doesn't work at all.

The button on the fob still works but wouldn't say perfectly every time but it does eventually open.

From the information I have given, has anyone got an idea what the issue is?

If so, is it easy and fairly cheap to fix?

I did a search in the forums beforehand and saw someone with a similar issue on a Fiesta where it was thought the solenoid needed replacing but not sure if it's the same with me as his lock mechanism wouldn't open as well. I don't have that issue.

Thanks very much.

On the Focus it's more often the dash button that breaks, or the wiring between the car and tailgate, that would be the first thing to check imo.  Do you have a multimeter?

With it not working on the key occasionally, it could be a worn key fob or a weak solenoid but I'd start with the dash button issue first.

Thanks for your reply.

To check the button, would I need to remove the dashboard and if so, is there a guide for that?

 Is it a continuity test that I carry out with a multimeter?

Thanks again.

Was intrigued to note that I appear to have a similar car, but I have not noticed a dash button for a boot release. Where abouts is said button?

14 minutes ago, StephenFord said:

Was intrigued to note that I appear to have a similar car, but I have not noticed a dash button for a boot release. Where abouts is said button?

On the Focus it's only the MK1 with a dash button for the boot.  MK2 onwards doesn't have it.

 

2 hours ago, Groot said:

Thanks for your reply.

To check the button, would I need to remove the dashboard and if so, is there a guide for that?

 Is it a continuity test that I carry out with a multimeter?

Thanks again.

The dash trim just has 3 screws at the top and then pulls out, no guide needed.

Yeah, check continuity through the switch in the on position first.

Next test would be checking for voltage at the switch plug, and then at the solenoid when pressing the button.

7 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

On the Focus it's only the MK1 with a dash button for the boot.  MK2 onwards doesn't have it.

 

Bummer, basic models usually get more additions over their life cycle, not less LOL

1 minute ago, StephenFord said:

Bummer, basic models usually get more additions over their life cycle, not less LOL

Lol, it was removed for security reasons I think...  Popping the hatch from the driver's seat is ideal for thieves to grab something out of the boot while you're still trying to get out of the car...

 

4 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

Lol, it was removed for security reasons I think...  Popping the hatch from the driver's seat is ideal for thieves to grab something out of the boot while you're still trying to get out of the car...

 

Pretty much every Mercedes and BMW I have sat in all have interior boot releases, it's a very handy feature...

4 minutes ago, StephenFord said:

Pretty much every Mercedes and BMW I have sat in all have interior boot releases, it's a very handy feature...

I didn't say it wasn't handy, just don't think it's overly safe. 

Its probably cost cutting as well tbf.  Remember when remote fuel flap releases were all the rage as well?

 

The biggest bummer is the removal of the lock cylinder and mechanical linkage to open the boot with the key. Having to get someone to crawl into the boot and try to rip the trim off when the electrics fail (which they will) is not progress in my book.

8 minutes ago, mjt said:

The biggest bummer is the removal of the lock cylinder and mechanical linkage to open the boot with the key. Having to get someone to crawl into the boot and try to rip the trim off when the electrics fail (which they will) is not progress in my book.

Agree'd, it's annoying when the battery dies and the jump leads are in the boot of a modern car...   I think that is security reasons though, sure I've read that a car has to take a certain amount of time to break into for the Thatcham type approval...though I may have just made that up...   You could just hammer a flatblade into the old boot barrels and pop them open which isn't overly safe and they'd have to add alarm sensors in the boot hatch.