I am told to first check the fuse but as the manual has not been forwarded i do not know which it is. The car is a 2001 y reg fiesta... any clues?

sam, November 2008

I will come back here with the fuse number ASAP
For now:- Lift the tailgate up and check the 3 brass coloured connections and plates (where they contact too are clean and shiney) The fiesta hatch connections usually rot out a bit, then they jam and short thus blowing the fuse! sometimes in severe cases the connection housing melts (Don't wish to scare you ) a recent repair I done involved repositioning of one pin connection to a spare hole - ANYWAY LUB ALL FREE WITH WD40 and make sure they spring out after pushing in, Check fuse REPLACE if unsure!

Abecht, November 2008