Electrical problem

[Greg M]

No, the actuator is the solenoid. I was not sure what you meant, different names for the same part. Check fuses, wiring's and connections first in this case.

I

I have a 2001 Boxster that I can't get the the front hood latch to operate. I've tested the actuator with two jumper wires off the battery and it works. I've checked the hood switch for continuity with a multimeter and was found to be okay. I checked the harness where the switch connects and received just under 12volts from the first wire that runs into the harness(white with red stripe) and second port registered a 5.0 volts(brown) I believe this illuminates the light on the switch. The next two ports register no currrent (I'm assuming this is the neutral side of the harness). This all coincides with the reading from the rear trunk switch which does operate. So I believe the harness that connects to the switch is okay, or I at least know I have power coming into the switch. The next thing I checked is the connection to the actuator. I tested the voltage coming off the harness connector and received a reading of .5 volts. This, I believe, is not sufficient to activate the actuator. So I've concluded that the problem lies somewhere between the switch harness and the actuator connector. Can anyone tell me what I should do next or what I should be looking for. I'm confused because I thought if there was a short somewhere that the fuse would blow.

Edited April 24, 2009 by Greg M

[RFM]

Push the front hood connector into the rear hood switch (they are the same) and try again, if the actuator will work now, replace the front hood switch. I have no electric schematic in front of me but a full BROWN wire is always GROUND in a German car electric system.

[Greg M]

This was the first thing I did when the hood would not open and still did not work. However not trusting this method I went out and bought a new switch for 40.00 and still did not work. So, I confident that it's not the switch. Just to make sure I just went out and switched the rear trunk switch to the front hood connector and to my surprise the the rear trunk opened. Now I'm really confused.

I don't know if this has anything to do with the actuator not working but the alarm system and the remote key function is not working. My key lead flashes when depressed but nothing happens. I noticed that the transponder light on the dash board does not light up when I depress the key. I can lock the car using central locking button next to the radio. I don't know if this is all tied in together or a separate issue. I've read every comment on how to reactivate key and nothing works.

Does anyone have any idea what I would pay at a dealership to have both of these issues fixed

Edited April 27, 2009 by Greg M