As title says, I'm getting this message intermittently on my dash display, sometimes during the night my alarm is going off too. I changed the boot release switch and when taking it apart it had white 'gack' round the plastics. Any help would be appreciated, it's starting to do my head in now! 😣 attached photo of boot switch I removed. Thanks

Mk7 fiesta zetec S 2009 

Yes that’s very similar to what I found inside my boot release switch, I think the white gunk is supposed to be there to help repel moisture from the electrics, however the design must be poor as it is a common fault with moisture getting in and rendering the switches erratic or inoperative -  just replace with a new one and you shouldn’t have any other problems with it.

See I've replaced the switch this morning and driving after it's still doing the same thing. I cant see it being the latch? Albeit the part I bought isn't a genuine Ford part, cant imagine this is why.. 🤔

No idea if the problem still exists on your non oem part, is there any corrosion on the connector that plugs into the switch? Might be worth checking and drying out if necessary 

I’m sure you can get a special spray that is suitable for electrics and it removes moisture etc and cleans up connections. I cant for the life of me remember what it is called though. I’ve used WD40 for that purpose before but I know there is a dedicated product

More than likely the microswitch in the latch at the bottom of the boot opening.  I work in SEAT and the majority of issues on the older models relate to the latch.  The button to open the boot is not likely to be the issue. 

20 hours ago, STJAY said:

More than likely the microswitch in the latch at the bottom of the boot opening.  I work in SEAT and the majority of issues on the older models relate to the latch.  The button to open the boot is not likely to be the issue. 

This.  I had to have both replaced afaik under warranty on my pre-facelift fiesta.

Hi, I know this is an old thread, can you replace the microswitch yourself? I tried replacing the blub but didn't change anything. I can't see a boot open warning on the dash so thinking it is most likely this. But only a minor inconvenience so is it really worth taking to the garage?

ps. mk7 2008 fiesta.  

Easy fix, just replace the tailgate latch assembly. Two bolts and one plug, takes about 15 minutes, allow 20 mins for a coffee break 👍

Lots to be found on sale on eBay for less than £15

Example: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/395302935299

19 hours ago, unofix said:

Easy fix, just replace the tailgate latch assembly. Two bolts and one plug, takes about 15 minutes, allow 20 mins for a coffee break 👍

Lots to be found on sale on eBay for less than £15

Example: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/395302935299

Oh, amazing, thank you!! 

I've had this happen twice on our old sh 💩 iter, original corroded inside, then two more purchased over the years, then it dawned on me why its happening! Friggin jet-wash isn't it, everytime i've renewed there was water/damp contamination inside.........Don't jet-wash or blast water under the hatch area.

The one in know is caked to death in thick grease to keep out water or damp.🤞

Agree with Ian lanc

Had to repair mine today..was full of good and what looks like rust..

Took it apart..cleaned the micro switch and reassembled...all working now

17 hours ago, Danny cj said:

Took it apart..cleaned the micro switch and reassembled...all working now

I thoroughly cleaned the first original switch, a few months on the boot was popping open, decided to get a whole new swich.

Mmmmm..didn't put any grease in so may have to take apart and put some in..

Coincidence that I had it jet washed by the garage on Saturday and it went wrong Monday

Didn't put 2 and 2 together 

New part arrived today. Just tried installing the new latch. Good thing, as soon as I plugged in the electrical connection the boot light shot right on. But, needs a bit of a good slam to catch and close. Tried to read up on it and probably to do with the alignment?? Although there doesn't seem too much wiggle room to move the bolts holding it in around to move it forward/back and sideways. 

Just having a break to calm down before I break the rear window slamming the boot closed  😂

Update, just in case anyone else has the same issue. Not much play in the latch mechanism but there was more on the catch/hook on the bottom so just loosened the bolts and slide it forward/towards me. Only a little bit, a couple of mm and is now nice and smooth.