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How can I fix the hatchback/boot lock on my Nissan Micra K12 series?

I have a Nissan Micra K12 series ( 2004 ) 1.4 SVE with Intelligent Key System. The hatchback/boot lock will not operate outside the vehicle and it is impossible to operate the lock system to open the hatchback. I crawled into the boot from inside the car and released the lock manually by sliding the white release lever to release the lock. Following advice from various forums and my Nissan dealer I replaced both the hatchback lock micro switches and the lock assembly itself. Each component cost me £75.00 from a main Nissan dealer
( Total £150.00 spent ) I am a fairly good home/DIY mechanic so this was within my capabilities. Guess what???? The hatchback lock system still does not work and I am £150.00 down at the moment. A main Nissan dealer wanted over £400 to do this job!!!. Does any kind soul ( and good Nissan mechanic ) know what the likely problem is and what my next course of action should be. I am reliably informed that the K12 series Micra has suffered a lot of problems with the hatchback lock. I have seen some good answers on this site for problems with the latest Micra so I hope someone can help. Thanks in anticipation
Stevie E, May 2008
Can I just say, My mum currently has this issue with her Nissan and so I searched the internet and came across this site. The bit that made me smile is the Ewan D (3d Design) was a supplier of mine for many years and he a thoroughly good chap and I was amazed to find that he is still helping people long after he has passed on..... he would really smile about that and Im glad that I came upon this site and say his name once again.... rip Mate!!

iid solutions, January 2022
I Had Probrems With Tail Gate Keeps Opening I Try Wires In Door No Luck Try Changing Switch No Luck At Last Fix It By Taking Back Panel Of And Tape Up Wires From Switch In Back Door As Far As Run Behind Panel With Parcel Tape. To Stop Water Getting In. So Far Door Is Now Working O.K. But If Door With No Open May Need Get A New Switch From E-Bay.

Martin, August 2019
Something not mentioned yet - First check the white connecting block linking the hatch switch to the loom. I have just removed the whole of the switch assembly and checked the microswitch for continuinty when pressed. It was fine. Having already attached a wire from the hot side into the sallon to touch a nut securing the driver's seat belt as a work around until I'd cracked it, I simply used it to bridge the white connecting block and hey-presto "clunk" when pressing the hatch switch. So
1 Try bridging the connecting block. If it works
2 Snip out the male/female connector,
3 rejoin the wires,
4 Make good/secure by soldering or twisting together and bind
with insulating tape.
5 Re-attached hard plastic cover.
Done.
What was puzzling me was the intermitent nature of this fault. It was worse bouncing along on our pot-holed roads (clunk-clunk...clunk...clunk-clunk etc) and quiet when pulled up at lights. Anyway the cost of this was £5.49 for a set of Torx drivers which as it transpired was a waste.

HDKey, May 2015
thanks to the answer off Stevie E i solved the micra rear boot opening issue with wd40 and vasaline ...all seems to be working fine now took the option to address all opening locks handles levers etc electrical or mechanical just be be on the safe side and as a bit of routine manitenance to keep out the moisture/damp etc

captainkevey, February 2015
I did think about going the DIY route and buying from Maplins, but read the info and decided I didn't want to mess around with a blade trimming bits of plastic,soldering and so on.
Bit the bullet and sent it off to the Donaldson's at 3dlabellingsystems . Posted Monday received Thursday and very happy with the service and job done. Total price was £63 inc postage both ways. Yes a genuine Nissan part is only a few £ more, but Im sure the replacement is a MUCH better switch .

Mark, Lancashire, June 2014
I had the same problem on my wifes 04 plated K12. boot kept unlocking /locking which also resulted in the battery losing its charge within a few days. The cause was the tailgate switch. I bought a replacement "push to make" switch for £2.00 from maplins. however I rerouted the switch inside onto the Dashboard away from exterior weather. there are some good instructions and information on this site , so I wont go into lengthy instructions that have already been done. But the problem was definitely water shorting out the contacts inside the switch.

JontyH, February 2014
You should be able to pick up the boot fix kit from the number below.
Eric Donaldson
0161 368 7154

Regards

Neil

Neil Donaldson, January 2014
I have spoken with people and apparently you will still be able to get the boot switch. Someone has taken over from Ewan and will be handling any orders in the future.

Neil Donaldson, January 2014
I am sad to say that my brother (Ewan Donaldson) has passed away recently. It makes me happy to see that he managed to help quite a few people with their fauly boot switches. Hope you can find an alternative.

Neil Donaldson, January 2014
My recent experience shows that anyone suffering from a faulty tailgate switch on their Micra K12 series - possibly caused by ingress of water causing shorting of the microswitch - would be well advised to refer to Ewan Donaldon's site (address per answers below).

I had been suffering from a faulty switch for a few weeks (boot latch failing to open or doing so unprompted; battery discharging every night unless central locking fuse removed) before discovering this low cost solution.

I'm not in the habit of leaving feedback, however happy to recommend this feller, from whom I received a genuinely remarkable service; clear instructions for removal of the switch unit, turnaround within a couple of days, plenty of communication, and importantly a well fitted new switch which promises to be more reliable (e.g. design should remain waterproof over the years) than the original Nissan item. Moreover, the price was very fair in comparison with alternatives, and I avoided the need for a trip to the garage and consequent loss of use of the car.

Highly recommended... Thanks Ewan!

Tim, Lancs., September 2013
Nissan boot locks are a nightmare!

Had an accident which meant tailgate had to be replaced and so evidently the boot lock! Well it worked, though not for long and then stuck with a boot that wouldn't open and if you have had the same problem you know how frustrating that is!!

Of course I took it back to be corrected,but alas although the fitters assured me it was a genuine nissan boot lock; I had the same lock changed 3 times, none of them worked for long!

Thank goodness for the Information Age. Saw this page. Contacted the Ewan Donaldson and hey presto within the week lock sorted!

Now over 2 months later and having opened the boot lock thousands of times- I have a courier business the lock still works sweetly. I am very happy to recommend this chap and this feedback has been along time coming. I don't give out recommendations lightly.

There is enough stress in life don't let nissan faulty locks be one of them! There is a solution and its a lot cheaper!

Steve, August 2013
I had the same problem and stripped down the switch expecting to be able to repair it myself. I then found this site and also contacted Ewan Donaldson via his website. Decided to send the switch off for a "professional" repair. It took longer than expected to return but more than happy with the result. Five minutes to replace and now no more problems. Great result with no hassle and at a fraction of the Nissan price.

Kenirvin, July 2013
I contacted Ewan Donaldson via his website and was more than pleased with the replacement switch provided. From the time I sent the original to the time I received the replacement took just 3 days. I have told close friends and my local garage of the fantastic service that Ewan provided and would recommend anyone experiencing this problem to contact him immediately.

Geoff (Swansea), June 2013
I bought a 2004 Nissan micra, the day after we bought the car the boot would not open.

After searching the internet we found the problem to be water getting into the switch.

So I removed the switch and I found water inside,i dried the switch and put it back together and it worked again.

But the next day it would not open again,now I thought theres no way water could be back in as its been a very hot few days with no rain at all.

So I opened it up again only to find water inside the switch again,im presuming its a condensation issue.

So I found ewans website offering a upgrade

I sent the switch to him and he returned it within a few days,its now working perfect

Thanks Alistair

Alistair, June 2013
Having looked at this page, I "serviced" the my non-opening switch with large amounts of WD40. It started to work intermittently, so I bit the bullet and sent it to Ewan Donaldon (http://www.3dlabellingsystems.com/pages/micra_faulty_boot_switch.htm)
Excellent service, dead easy to fit the repaired boot handle and first-rate comms. I can't praise Ewan highly enough.

All I need to do now is find a fix for the ignition switch - seems when it get s hot in car the switch doesn't always engage first time!!

Chris Mickley, June 2013
Sent my switch to Ewan, 1st class service, does exactly as described, Thank you very much

Adam, Notts, May 2013
I sent my Micra K12 Series boot lock switch to Ewan Donaldson for repair over a week ago. He was most helpful with it, replying to my every question. The switch arrived exactly when he said it would – within 3 or 4 days – and has been working perfectly. He also guarantees it for 2 years.

Robert C., May 2013
My wife's Nissan started playing up and in the end the boot wouldn't even open at all. I sent the switch off to Ewan and it was all sorted in no time at all. I was initially suspicious but there's no foul play here; just a decent bloke who got us out of a bind and saved us money in the process had we gone to a garage (never mind a pay-over-the-odds dealer)!

Matt T, May 2013
Had the same problem with my daughters Micra 03 reg,recently purchased. The give away is when the previous owner has removed the bulb from the boot light because the tailgate keeps opening due to the damp in the switch shorting to earth. Easy fix is a new switch from Ewan Donaldson, superbly fitted in the handle and water resistant. Brilliant personal service from him, unusually, he actually does what he says he will - highly recommended. Contact:
http://www.3dlabellingsystems.com/pages/micra_faulty_boot_switch.html

John C., April 2013
Hi, I was tortured with a faulty boot lock in my nissan micra. It would lock and unlock like a thing possessed! This would happen while driving and the boot would swing open. It would randomly happen when I was nowhere near the car. I sent the lock to Ewan Donaldson at 3d labelling system (following his instructions) and it is now working a treat. Thanks Ewan, great service!

una b, April 2013
On finding out the cost of replacing the boot switch I contacted Ewan at 3dlabellingsystems to arrange for him to do it.
Excellent job done.
Sent on Saturday, received back on Wednesday.
Works well.
Highly recommended.

Clive Mitchell, April 2013
Recently bought my 2003 Micra and soon experienced problems with the boot lock.

After a Google search I found Ewan's page. I sent my switch to him and have had the modification made and it works brilliantly now. Communication from Ewan was excellent and I was kept notified at all times - a really easy, painless transaction.

I highly recommend Ewan's fix.

Ewan - a pleasure to do business, thank you very much.

Si Taylor, April 2013
Same problem, boot would not open. Faulty switch due to water ingress. Why buy the same switch again. Followed the advice and used Ewan, he was very helpfull and kept in contact via email. Switch working and better still the boot now opens.

Paul, April 2013
Same problem - buzzing sound in car, tailgate refused to open, battery flat - numerous times. AA failed to diagnose problem.

Contacted Ewan Donaldson (http://www.3dlabellingsystems.com/pages/micra_faulty-boot_switch.html. Printed off clear instructions to remove boot switch and removed switch (removing tailgate trim tricky). Posted to Ewan 1627 Tuesday, received back 1127 Friday.

Beautiful, responsive switch. Immaculate service throughout - phone and email support and tracking information from Ewan. Worth every penny, best service ever.

Was wary to send switch and money, but would not hesitate to recommend. A big worry solved. Thanks Ewan.

Hilary, April 2013
I recently bought a 2007 Micra and it was fine on the test drive. After I'd used it for a week or two the boot would suddenly open as I was driving along and then when it was full of shopping would stubbonly refuse to open. I subsequently discovered that this was due to a faulty boot switch and to have a new Nissan one fitted is very expensive and can still be subject to the same problem.
After research on the internet I found a brilliant solution by Ewen Donaldson. (Website: 3dlabellingsystems.com). This involves removal of the boot switch assembly which you then send to him through the post. He fits a better switch and seals the unit before returning it complete. I'm definately not much use at DIY when it comes to cars but the clear simple instructions he provides made the job of removal/refitting incredibly easy. The whole thing took only four days from despatch to receiving it back and Mr Donaldson very kindly kept me fully informed via E-Mail at all stages. The boot is now working perfectly and I would definately advise anyone suffering from this problem to use Ewan's excellent service.

G Bradley, March 2013
I too had this problem, went 3 months with no boot because didnt want to pay out a ridiculous amount of money.
Ewan was very helpful, helped me get the old switch out and replace the new fixed one, has worked great since
Thanks Ewan

Suzanne, March 2013
Following much research into this issue I decided to try Ewan Donaldon's solution (http://www.3dlabellingsystems.com/pages/micra_faulty_boot_switch.htm)
Excellent service, dead easy to fit the repaired boot handle and first-rate comms. I can't praise Ewan highly enough.

Chris Haughey, February 2013
Right. I had same problem. Boot kept opening on starting (and stopping) engine. Boot would remain locked when it wanted to. Then battery was draining and car wouldn't start at all. I followed Jon Trew's instructions below (thank you, Jon) and sent the switch off to EWAN DONALDSON at the website address Jon gives, (or search for 3dlabellingsystems.com)
EASY to take the book lock off, even easier to refit. I rang Ewan and he couldn't have been more helpful.
Cost of Ewan's work plus postage - job done -car fixed. Brilliant!
Certainly can't thank you enough, Ewan.

D. Stephens, Cardiff, February 2013
After getting the news from Holdcroft Nissan that a new boot switch would cost me almost £85 inc vat and learning from the guy in "spares" that the new switch was no better than the old one, I contacted Ewan Donaldson. I cannot praise him enough, simple advice, express service, great communication and the modified assembly was on in 5 minutes (only 2 nuts to tighten up!!) and working. The whole experience was a revelation of what can be when you are dealing with someone who knows what he is doing. I'm also delighted to say I've saved £30.

Happymax, February 2013
Had problem with boot not opening/ mico switch not working, sent switch and housing to Ewan Donaldson
he then replaced switch with a far superior one ,and also did a excellent job . Iwould recomend this fix

D griffin, February 2013
I am in the middle of a similar problem. It isn't the battery, boot switch or actuator, it is simply a lack of power. I have followed the loom right to the main connector near the pannel just behind the accelerator. When I apply power to the wire, the boot works. the break in current has to be even further down or up the chain. CCt diagram shows an On line fuse, where is it, someone please help

Philip, February 2013
You don't need an auto electrician. I had the same problem. The issue is the poor quality switch that is not rated for external use. If you go to Nissan they will charge you for the same poor qulaity part. Instead go to http://www.3dlabellingsystems.com/pages/micra_faulty_boot_switch.html they sell an up rated switch and you can easily fit it yourself with their instructions. I did it and can really recommend this fix. It is easy to do. PS I have no link with the site just a really satisfied customer who saved himself a stack on money.

Jon Trew, February 2013
I have just bought an improved switch from the link on this thread at http://www.3dlabellingsystems.com/pages/micra_faulty_boot_switch.html
and found it works beautifully and is very easy indeed to fit. Easily the most satisfying repair I have known on a car, first because it is a better product than Nissan's flaky original, and secondly because it cost much less to do it this way. Ewan will send you your new switch within a couple of days after receiving it, and you will have no regrets at all if you fix your boot this way.

Stripey, January 2013
My wife has had the same problem on a Micra 1.2 S for over a month and finally got to a point where the boot was pretty much unusable.

I'm offering a low cost solution if anyone is interested. Please follow the link below to view it:

http://www.3dlabellingsystems.com/pages/micra_faulty_boot_switch.html

Please feel free to contact me. Details are on the above page.

Ewan Donaldson, May 2011
I have a similar problem with a boot lock on a nissan micra 2003 which no longer opens i have tried opening it by bridging the connector as advised earlier but nothing happens seems like there is no power there or a broken connection does anyone have a wiring diagram so i can track this back to find the fault

Taz, April 2011
Forget about a "micro switch" - any (small) switch will do. Just cut the two wires leading into the old (micro) switch and connect them to any simple switch that will fit in. If you can't find a switch small enough to fit inside the gizmo, you can keep the switch in place on the outside with some bluetack. If you like, give it a blast with WD-40 (optional).
It's actually a lot simpler than most of us assume ...

Simple Peasant, March 2011
Just fixed my boot which kept opening. The problem appears to be a sticking micro switch.Pop the panel open which covers the boot lock and the wiring ( if you are unable to open your boot then you will need to drop the rear seat down to access ).The switch for the boot is on a separate circuit.Unplug the the connector .You can check that the problem is the micro switch by gently inserting a small flat head screwdriver into the female part of the connector. This will trigger the circuit for the boot latch. Squirt some WD40 into this connector. Using a socket set unscrew the unit from the boot. Using a star socket remove the four screws from the housing.Pop out the unit. With a small flat head screwdriver prise open the unit. You will see a small button. Spray some WD40 onto the button and press it about a dozen times so that it works it's way in. Before you screw everything back into place connect the micro switch back into the connection socket and depress the micro switch button just to make sure it works. When you replace the housing I suggest some silicon sealant is applied around the micro switch housing as there is no rubber seal. This will stop any water seeping in. Hopes this is of use!!!

andy, April 2010
My boot keeps opening by itself. Is it the boot catch?

M, March 2010
i have a problem with my boot lock as well and i brought a lock from nissan and it still does not work. I think it could be the wiring loom. nissan told me it could cost over 700 hundred poundes.

chaz, February 2010
I HAD SAME PROBLEM I bought a new NON TECH switch from Hartwell Ford Scunthorpe tel.08709049720 for 39.19Fİtted it without connecting to sensor works a treat but you need to seal the outside of the switch with either caulk or silicone to stop water ingress

John W., July 2009
hello.I am hving the same problem and I notice you had the same proble some time ago, did you fix it and if so how!!!

mike, April 2009
Make sure that your battery is supplying the full voltage. My problem was solved when I fitted a new battery. My usage of my 57 reg. Spirita was under 3000 miles from new. The battery finally died on me.

Alexander Mc Luckie, February 2009
I have a similar problem to you and have found the wires running from the car to the boot inside the rubber flex on the boot lid have broken. This has resulted in rear wiper failure and now the boot won't open at all. Do you have any ideas as to how to open the boot as there is no lever.

John Wright, January 2009
i have a similair problem the boot won't open even though i can hear something when i press the boot release, i've removed interior cover so i can see the boot lock from but nothing seems to move when attempting to open the boot.
Any help would be appreciated
Cheers
Ian

Ian, October 2008
needs an auto electrician to repair, but to open remove the 10a fuse under your dash -- its the 2nd 10a fuse from the right on the top row, then replace the same fuse. boot should then open with the fob key. Needs to be done each time you need to open boot, thats because the fault still exists, so see your auto electrician.

regyrich, September 2008
link Click here to see other fixes for Nissan Micra.