A frequent problem is the connections. I would start by making sure the electrical connections to the release mechanism are clean. I was directed to deoxit that you can pick up at fry's. Radio Shack also has a version. I then use dielectric grease "hoping" it won't go bad again, at least for a while. That took care of mine, Others get into the switch itself and spray some deoxit in there and cycle it many times, as I did on my center console switches. That is only if you don't have another problem. Has your car sat for a long time or is this a driver that just developed this problem. My car had numerous such problems when I got it but a brief cleaning and regular use has kept all my electric accessories working well. I haven't spend much time in my fusebox, that is also a good place to look.
Also, the solenoids can completely fry. The one for my front hood is fried so will eventually replace that. The solenoid looks like a small motor attached to the cable that opens the hood. If it looks all melted, then it is probably fried. You should have cable pull backups for all your hoods though until you get it fixed. Dave
Let's hope it is only the connections. This thread got me looking into mind and it appears that some of the online parts suppliers are charging between 1000 and 1600 for the solenoid. At least Ferrari provided backup pull cables. However, imagine all of them not working and the comedy of filling up at the gas station in front of the onlookers. 1. Reach into back seat compartment and pull cable to release rear trunk hood. 2. Reach into trunk hood, pull cable to release engine hood. 3. Reach into engine compartment, pull cable to release gas cap cover. 4. Refuel and push all the lids shut. (Don't forget gas cap, those are not cheap either) Cheers Dave
Hi, I have the same trouble with my 89 t. I looked at the solenoid and it does not appear to have had catastrophic failure. So I think I will go with Dave's advice an clean swithches an connections. Lino
