When I pull up on the handle, it makes a 'brrrappp' sound - almost like an impact driver. Is there a way to manually release the hatch so that I can get a better look?

 

MitchV.
It could help to include your model and year. Excuse me if I missed it in your profile. I haven't had that issue with the hatch on my '12 Countryman S. I do not know of another manual release on my car besides the round MINI Emblem hatch release on the outside.

 

Sorry about that - it's a 2012 ALL4. I don't see anything that looks like a manual release either, but I thought it was worth asking before I headed to the mechanic.

 

There is a manual release for the hatch behind the plastic "vent" cover at the left rear inside the boot area. Remove the cover by pulling out on the edge closest to the rear of the vehicle. Of course you will have to pull the rear seat down and crawl into the boot with a flashlight to do this. Look for a small button handle connected to the end of a wire, then pull the wire to release the hatch.
This is the same area where the audio power amp is located.

 

Bluebrat,

I think what you just described is the manual fuel door realease

 

Hi, I have the same issue with the trunk not opening (Countryman S '12). I wonder if anybody has fixed it, There is almost no info in the internet but this post.

Thank you!

 

No, I still haven't gotten it fixed. As far as I can tell, you and I are the only two people who have the problem.

 

Mine sticks occasionally when the weather changes because the seal gets stuck to the tailgate. Sometimes I have to pull so hard I'm worried the rear logo is going to come off in my hand.

I have some Einszett / Nextzett Gummi Pflege I need to apply to it one of these days.

But I dont think it will solve your latching malfunction. Just posting it here in case it helps someone with a similar problem.

 

Yeah, one more thing that might help someone - it did this ONCE and I was able to get it open. The next time it happened, it stayed stuck. I wish I'd sprayed something in there after I got it open the first time.

 

I did also once slam something in the latch and THAT really jacked things up for opening it. The latch motor couldn't release but a few swift yanks and/or kicks from inside finally dislodged things enough for it to open.

I forget if it made any funny unlatching noises.

 

More info I found here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...oot-stuck.html

 

hi. i have the same issue on my 2015 countryman S. when you press the unlock on the fob OR activate the unlock switch on the tailgate, there is a sound like an impact driver. cannot get the trunk to open. cannot reach the trunk lock mechanism to replace the actuator motor, because the trunk won't open! no manual trunk release that i can find on this model. am i missing something? is it possible to access the actuator mechanism with the trunk in CLOSED position? were you able to resolve the problem? if so, please share details, much appreciated!

 

Just happened to stumble across this. I had the same problem on my 2011. I was able to put the seats down and take some of the plastics in the rear compartment out in order to get to the mechanism and unbolt / unplug it. It wasn't easy but from there the hatch opened and I replaced it with an actuator from a local salvage yard. Haven't had any issues since.

 

Make that three of us with the problem! 2012 Countryman S... I've ordered the part but can't figure out how to get the boot to open even though the problem part has been unplugged...