Alfa Pages

[paulb]

My floor mounted boot release has stopped opening the tailgate. The mechanism makes all the usual noises, but the boot remains locked.

The whole rear section of the boot, including the locking catch is encased in a plastic panel with 8 plastic fixings which need to be 'opened' to take the panel off and get to the workings. The fixings are circular plastic with a square 'slot' in the middle. An allen key doesn't undo them and a screwdriver put in diagonally across the square slot allows the fixing to be turned, but it doesn't lead to the fixing being released.

If anyone can help with the fixings, or who has done this type of repair before and can give me the sequence to follow to fix the boot release cable (if that's what's needed), I'd welcome advice.

If photo's of the offending fixings are useful, I have taken some, but I can't work out how (or if it's possible) to attach them to this posting!
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paulb

[john 33_16v]

Hi,

If you get someone to hold the release lever up, can you open the tailgate?

If yes, then the release mechanism is all working, and the suspect is probably the boot seal. This setup needs the spring effect of the seal to pop the latch.

The only ways around it are a new or good used seal, putting some tube etc into the seal to beef it up, or like many owners keeping a block of wood next to the release lever to hold it up.

john
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If it aint broke, fiddle with it until it is!
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93 33 16v Mirtle Met
08 Fiat Grande Punto Exotica Red
90 Yamaha FZR600 Genesis- Silky white/red/blue

[andys33horley]

i use a spare wheel nut for mine lol
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just brought my first 33 16v

[Admin]

Hi

A 1/4" drive extension fits into the clips around the back if you do need to get the trim panel off. From memory you undo the 1/8th turn and then pull them out.

Normal trick to hold the lever up while you get out of the car is to wrap the seatbelt around the release lever.

All the best

Keith

[gritsop]

Hi,

Usually the cable that runs from the lever to the latch mechanism either breaks or simply the retaining nut loosens and slack is generated; that's why pulling the lever can't open the boot door.

In my case the cable was broken and the replacement part includes not only the cable but also the black pipe that runs from the lever to the boot.

I was frustrated to buy a part that i would use only half of it, so I went to a motorbike shop and bought cable (for motorcycle brakes/clutch) and bought 3 meters of it. The original cable of the car is 2.80 meters long and you will not find cable that long in bicycle shops.

Be sure to buy a head with nut to keep the cable attached to the lever.

It has been more than 5 years since i did that job and it still works OK

Regards,
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Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

[paulb]

Keith/Andy/John,

Many thanks for your info.

Seems that the lock is fine. I took the advice to simply wedge something under the boot release and sure enough, I could then open the boot.

The seal is wearing around the lock, so as advised, I'll look out for a new seal, but in the short term I'll pack the existing one with something to give it a bit more 'spring' and keep a lump of wood in the glovebox!

Thanks once again.

Paulb
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paulb

[paulb]

Thanassis,

Thanks. The cable seems fine, but it's good to have comprehensive advice such as yours for any future failure of the cable.
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paulb

[Admin]

Hi

When I needed a new boot release cable (think it was on the lhd 1.3 car, from mid 1990) I bought one from Alfa, but the early series 3 cable was no longer available and you need to order the later handle as well.

Makes just replacing the inner cable even more tempting.

To replace the whole cable (ie, outer) you need to pull half the carpet out, which is an annoying job.

All the best

Keith