R56 trunk lid only releasing with key fob

How do you know which part has the problem, between the tailgate handle or the trunk latch? Push the button nothing happens but key fob can open. Used the test above by grounding the blue/red wire but that didn't open the latch either.

__________________
This post was auto-generated based upon a question asked on our tech article page here: MINI Cooper R56 Tailgate Handle Replacement (2007-2011) | Pelican Parts DIY Maintenance Article

[Nick at Pelican Parts]

Check if the button for the handle is sending the signal to the latch. Monitor the change in voltage with a dvom when activating the handle button. If no signal, it is the handle, if signal is present, it is the latch.

- Nick

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

If the key fob can open the latch, the latch is working.

If the handle button cannot open the latch, either the button is faulty or something between the button and the latch is faulty. Something not shared by the path the key fob signal takes.

--DD

[Luccia at Pelican Parts]

You can check the emergency release cable to see if there is any issue, but I agree it does sound like the trunk latch will be your issue.

The emergency release cable is under the rear seat. You should see it when you lift the back seat up and then pull ring on the passenger side. If it works, it returns properly and there is a reasonable amount of slack in the cable it probably isn't your issue.

You can remove the trunk lid grip and test the electronic switch by jumping the leads at the connector to open the door (the brown and blue/red wires). You can use a paperclip to do this (see image below for example). If it does work, trunk lid grip is the problem.

Trunk lid grips: Mini Cooper, Cooper S, and Clubman (R55/R56/R57) - Bumpers, Doors, Latches & Lids - Page 8.