Re 2006 R53

i believe my hatchback (tailgate) release is inoperative. I assume when pressing the remote control button on the key fob the hatch should pop ajar slightly but it does not

the hatch will open with the manual actuator above the license plate. The remote control fob controls the doors so batteries are OK

squeezing the manual latch actuator I can hear the actuator but pressing the remote yields no sounds. With the hatch open should I see movement in the latch when pressing the remote?

since the manual actuator works I assume it is not a fuse.

my next step is to remove the latch mechanism at bottom of trunk

any advice

 

Pressing the hatch release on the fob will not trigger the hatch to unlock on its own. It just enables you to press the button on the hatch handle to open the hatch without unlocking the driver or passenger doors. That's way it works on the '05 R53, should be same as your '06

 

As stated above, the R53 key fobs rear boot button is simply an unlock/lock for the boot latch... the boot handle button still must be pressed to physically release the latch itself.


I am actually working on setting my car up with a remote control momentary switch & strut springs to be an automatic opening boot lid with a press of a button.

 

That’s also the way it works on my ‘06. The hatch will lock itself back as soon as I close it when using that feature.

 

The hatch should also automatically re-lock after about 20 seconds if you press the remote button and don’t open the hatch to prevent accidentally leaving it unlocked.

 

Zsm

so my hatch is working as it should

There is no way to pop the trunk from inside the car?

 

It unlocks with the doors.

If you just have to physically open it from inside, there’s a manual release under the rear seat cushion.

 

Interesting. Because of COVID-19 I am doing more curbside pickups of groceries, etc. to minimize my risk

it would be very convenient to pop the hatch without getting out of the car Too bad no one makes a kit

 

you could always install assist springs on the hatch struts & wire a button up to the front drivers area.. just two wires that close the ground circuit for the hatch release motor when you press the boot handle button

we are working on a friends project car at the time, rear hatch has been 100% shaved and license plate will be relocated to rear bumper with Cravenspeed plate mount or similar. Relocated the hatch release button with a waterproof metal push button in the “now deleted wiper motor” grommet. It’s a super positive and water tight fit. Also the switch is tied into running lights so it has a little red halo to accent the red taillights when lit.