SLK 171 2009 (UK)- "Close Boot Separator Error"

Mister H

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Hi all,

I have an SLK 2009 (171) UK spec 1.8 Kompressor that has recently been giving me a "Close Boot Separator" error when trying to operate the vario roof. I have checked that the separator does close and latch correctly, which it does. The ONLY thing i've noticed is that the separator is slightly loose and sometimes miss-aligns when closing, however even adjusting the miss-alignment when closing it still doesn't solve my issue! HELP! please!
 

Blobcat

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Hello and welcome,

I find the switch inside the left hand catch (as you're facing the boot) can look like it's closed then the separator is closed but isn't quite closed enough to make a good contact. The separator will move around a bit so you might need to manoeuvre it a bit to get the contact to close correctly to get the message to go.
 

LostKiwi

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There is a microswitch on the latch for the separator. If the separator is worn or the latch worn the switch won't operate.
 
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Mister H

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Hello and welcome,

I find the switch inside the left hand catch (as you're facing the boot) can look like it's closed then the separator is closed but isn't quite closed enough to make a good contact. The separator will move around a bit so you might need to manoeuvre it a bit to get the contact to close correctly to get the message to go.

Thank you Blobcat for your prompt response - I will take a look shortly and report back my findings! Fingers crossed its something simple.
 
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Mister H

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There is a microswitch on the latch for the separator. If the separator is worn or the latch worn the switch won't operate.

Thank you Lostkiwi - As per "Blobcats" message, i will check the microswitch and catch area.
 
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Mister H

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UPDATE:

the boot separator latch / switch on the left hand side as you look at the boot is broken / loose. is this part easily available and replaceable or best to take it to a garage?

would love some advice please!
 

Blobcat

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UPDATE:

the boot separator latch / switch on the left hand side as you look at the boot is broken / loose. is this part easily available and replaceable or best to take it to a garage?

would love some advice please!
Pictures are always good so we can see exactly how loose / broken it is.
 
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Mister H

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Pictures are always good so we can see exactly how loose / broken it is.

no problem - will get some and post shortly.
 

StefJake

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Hello and welcome,

I find the switch inside the left hand catch (as you're facing the boot) can look like it's closed then the separator is closed but isn't quite closed enough to make a good contact. The separator will move around a bit so you might need to manoeuvre it a bit to get the contact to close correctly to get the message to go.

Sorry to be such a girl about this, but I don’t really understand
do I need to wiggle the fold down black bit to get it in place or do I need to wiggle the arms at the side to click something back in place?
Thanks in anticipation
 

Blobcat

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Sorry to be such a girl about this, but I don’t really understand
do I need to wiggle the fold down black bit to get it in place or do I need to wiggle the arms at the side to click something back in place?
Thanks in anticipation
The fold down black bit. It needs to sit square in the mounting catches on the left and the right.

Best thing is to open and close it with the boot empty of stuff and you should then be able to see how it clicks into place and you can see the little micro switch in the left side (on mine) catch that closes to tell the car the boot separator is in the lower position and it’s now safe to open the roof.

It’s very easy to get too much stuff under the boot separator so you can’t get it to sit correctly in the catches.
 

StefJake

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Thanks Blobcat
It won’t click into the micro switch it just seems to flop about
Before it was quite stiff and stayed in place when opened or closed now it just seems to hang in limbo neither up nor down
Any ideas would be much appreciated?
I’ve attached some photos to see if anyone can see what I need to do and give any advice
Thanks again
 

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France David

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Hi,

This seems to be an old thread on "Boot Separator Not Close".

Can anyone let me know if the strut makes direct contact with the microswitch or is there an extension at the end of the strut to trigger the signal? I see there is a gap between the microswitch and the strut in my CLK when the boot separator is fully pulled down. Does it mean the strut is not working properly?

Many thanks for any feedback.
 

Uncle Benz

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Hi,

This seems to be an old thread on "Boot Separator Not Close".

Can anyone let me know if the strut makes direct contact with the microswitch or is there an extension at the end of the strut to trigger the signal? I see there is a gap between the microswitch and the strut in my CLK when the boot separator is fully pulled down. Does it mean the strut is not working properly?

Many thanks for any feedback.
The two little gas struts that push the seperator down on the 209 CLK do go weak over time, and they need to be good to keep the microswitch pressed in. I’ve also seen one or two that get a bit worn with age. In these instances a small bit of rubber pipe pressed over the little pin on the side of the seperator itself can make up for the wear.
 

France David

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The two little gas struts that push the seperator down on the 209 CLK do go weak over time, and they need to be good to keep the microswitch pressed in. I’ve also seen one or two that get a bit worn with age. In these instances a small bit of rubber pipe pressed over the little pin on the side of the seperator itself can make up for the wear.
Hi Blobcat,

Thanks for your input.

I noticed there is another piece of metal that makes contact with the microswitch as u draw the boot separator down. In other words, it is not the strut itself that closes the circuit allowing the soft top to operate. This addresses my own query the gap between the miceoswitch & the strut is not an issue.

Like the title Uncle Benz!
 
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