Convertible Storage Compartment Lid Does Not Open

"slmnhq" > wrote in message
...

> I have the E36 with the semi-automatic top, I have to turn the release
> handle at the top of the windshield frame, then press a button to operate
> the retract-motor. The Bentley manual does not give very muich on the
> fully
> manual top, so I'm not sure what your actual problem is, but starting with
> the trunk lid seems like the right thing to do.

I suspect my problem is the trunk lid microswitch. From the Bentley
manual:


I agree. After I actually looked at my manual, and latched the trunk with a
screwdriver, it occurs to me that the two outboard switches are not part of
this. Having said that, I must have seen that the two outboard switches do
something according to some reference material of some sort. Perhaps the
Owner's Manual took me there.

In any case, since you recently worked on the trunk latch mechanism, odds
favor a switch that is not connected or working.

There are also switches in the trunk latch that operate the Central Locking
System. You are supposed to lock and unlock the car from the trunk lockset.
My car will lock the car from the trunk latch, but it will not unlock the
car.

So I've figured out what the problem was. The trunk lid microswitch
was not seated correctly in the trunk lock. It is held in place by
plastic clips. One of the clips was broken and I suspect that the
switch was dislodged when the trunk was closed soon after I left the
mechanic shop.

In any case, rather than disassemble the lock, re-seat the switch and
fasten it, I took a short cut and permanently engaged the switch with
scotch-tape. Of course, now I have to be vigilant about never
attempting to open the trunk and lid simultaneously....!

Thanks for your help Jeff.

....Salman

On Aug 14, 6:53 pm, "Jeff Strickland" > wrote:
> "slmnhq" > wrote in message
>
> ...
>
> > I have the E36 with the semi-automatic top, I have to turn the release
> > handle at the top of the windshield frame, then press a button to operate
> > the retract-motor. The Bentley manual does not give very muich on the
> > fully
> > manual top, so I'm not sure what your actual problem is, but starting with
> > the trunk lid seems like the right thing to do.
>
> I suspect my problem is the trunk lid microswitch. From the Bentley
> manual:
>
> I agree. After I actually looked at my manual, and latched the trunk with a
> screwdriver, it occurs to me that the two outboard switches are not part of
> this. Having said that, I must have seen that the two outboard switches do
> something according to some reference material of some sort. Perhaps the
> Owner's Manual took me there.
>
> In any case, since you recently worked on the trunk latch mechanism, odds
> favor a switch that is not connected or working.
>
> There are also switches in the trunk latch that operate the Central Locking
> System. You are supposed to lock and unlock the car from the trunk lockset.
> My car will lock the car from the trunk latch, but it will not unlock the
> car.

"slmnhq" > wrote in message
...
> So I've figured out what the problem was. The trunk lid microswitch
> was not seated correctly in the trunk lock. It is held in place by
> plastic clips. One of the clips was broken and I suspect that the
> switch was dislodged when the trunk was closed soon after I left the
> mechanic shop.
>
> In any case, rather than disassemble the lock, re-seat the switch and
> fasten it, I took a short cut and permanently engaged the switch with
> scotch-tape. Of course, now I have to be vigilant about never
> attempting to open the trunk and lid simultaneously....!
>
> Thanks for your help Jeff.
>
> ...Salman

No problem.