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MG MGF Technical - Boot Wont Open !

Just come back from Brighton, have a fairly large suitcase in the boot and when I turn the key, it doesn't release at all.
- key wont turn fully either

Help !!
DJ Brown

Darren, unfortunately people won't post how the break into the boot on an a public forum due to obvious security reasons, but if you post your mail address I'm sure someone will send you the info.
Sounds like whatever is in the boot has trapped the boot release mechanism.
Most of the entry methods I know to open the boot require you to be able to reach the latch, if something is in the way of it, it will be difficult to get to release the latch.
Steve White

Thanks, I've posted my email address , perhaps someone has an Idea, its a 2001 MGF?
DJ Brown

Was the suitcase a tight fit? I overcame a similar situation once by doing an emergency stop, the momentum shifted the boot contents enough to clear the mechanism. Check your mirrors first though please ;o)
Mike Hankin

mmm just tried that the thing is just not budging !
DJ Brown

Try pushing the lid down really hard while turning the key.
Spyros Papageorghiou

I completely agree with Spyros. Some Register members had exactly this problem in Silverstone - in the pouring rain. I am not sure who was more relieved - me or them when I was able to easily open the boot by simply pressing down on the bootlid, and twisting the key; I wasn't keen on stripping down the boot as I was already quite drenched enough, thanks very much! ROFL
Rob Bell

This is not synonymous with the MGF, any car given the same criteria would do similar, it sounds like the case is putting upward pressure on the boot lid and making the latch tight.

Use Rob's advice, push down on the lid, or sit on it if you can and at the same time gently turn the key.

Adrian
Adrian Clifford

Help !!!!!!!! darn thing is still not budging, I even stood on the lid (carefully!) whilst the missus tries the key !
- we need the suitcase out, how difficult is the smashing the rear lens suggestion found in archives?
DJ Brown

Daniel, sorry to hear that this approach has not worked - perhaps one of the suitcases has jammed the mechanism.

Smashing the tail lamp probably wouldn't help, so I've emailed you the alternative approach.

Good luck!
Rob Bell

Sorry I can't suggest much else, but can we all learn a lesson from this?
(apart from the usual..Don't put large suitcases in the boot)

Is there a cover that can be placed over the mechanism to avoid this in the future?
Maybe a DIY solution that is easy and cost effective?
A plastic shroud of some kind?

Hmmm, needs further thought......

Cheers
Branko
Branko

A couple of layers of gaffer tape??
John Ponting

>A couple of layers of gaffer tape??

Two essential tools:
If it sticks and it shouldn't - WD40
It it doesn't stick and it should - Gaffa tape

Clearly you're using the wrong tool ;-)
Will Munns

Certain MY2000 MGFs had a cover over the rear of the lock mechanism that wasn't there on earlier cars, and was deleted later (cost?)

Might have helped here?
Rob Bell

The MY2K lock protector is a simple foam pad - i am not sure this would have helped here.

SF
Scarlet Fever

DJ,

Just thought of another possilbe way to dislodge the suitcase off the locking mechanism. (If that is what is causing this)

Take the car for a drive on a rough road.
Then after that, park the car on a very, very steep downhill incline facing forward.
Then try to open the boot. That may have moved the suitcase around or off the affect bits.

PS. this is an unproven and untried idea.

Good Luck.
Branko
Branko

This thread was discussed between 13/11/2005 and 17/11/2005

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