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MG MGF Technical - Key won't open the boot

Hi fellow MGF'ers

I'm in the unfortunate situation, that my boot won't open. It's not a problem with the key, since it goes in fine, but when I turn the key, there is no resistance. It feels like there is no link to the cable anymore. Perhaps cable snapped or fell off.

However, I've been searching the archives and have seen mentioning of several methods of getting into the boot when the key won't open the boot: Treffen method, Smash rear light method, AA method.

However, for obvious reasons not all of the details have been posted on this BBS.

If anyone has details regarding these methods, or have other methods, please e-mail me.

I really need the help - can't bring myself to open the boot in a destructive way :-(
KGV Vineke

Sadly both the treffin and AA mothods are for retreiving keys only. Smash you way in thru the rear light is the only way you'll get enough room to manover you hands around the catch.

Do you have another F to compare whilst you funble in the dark?
Will Munns

Do you have car assistance? AA? RAC etc or the equivalent in Denmark?

I know when I locked my keys in the car (old rover, not the F) they got in the car in minutes (well seconds actually!) and retrieved them for me...

Now.. I now you haven't locked your keys in the boot... but they don't need to know that do they... just tell them you "think" you've locked them in the boot and they can then open it if they can... and then you just say "oh, look they were here in my pocket all along"...

Long shot but might be worth it...

Chris.
Chris Tromans

The treffen method is very labourious ( possibly hours for the inexperienced) but should result in entry without damage. Once access has been gained to the boot it should be obvious if the cable has become detached from the operating mechanism and whether it can be re-attached to allow the key to function normally.

David
david

Kim, you have hotmail
JohnP

Hi JohnP

Is it a problem, that I have hotmail? I use my hotmail, because I don't want my work e-mail posted on the internet - however, my work e-mail is: kgv@nameOfCompany.dk - where nameOfCompany is sonofon.

Regards Kim
KGV Vineke

vote 4Treffen mode :)
I think JohnP will tell you.
Dieter K.

Kim

I was telling you that I had sent email to your hotmail account as in "you have mail"
JohnP

Got mail from me too (but then you know that already!) :-)

SF
Scarlet Fever

Damn, am I slow or what, John?

My only excuse is, that english is not my first language.

John and SF, thank you for your mails. I'll let you know how it goes.

/Kim
KGV Vineke

From personal experience of getting into the boot without a key, the AA method is likely to leave you with a warped boot lid, scratched paint, and a broken micro switch.

Not sure what the treffen method is but the best methods IMO is to unbolt the boot hinges. Not very obvious and long winded but dead easy once you know where to start and the tools required.

My own key feels a bit loose in the boot lock and I suspect the tumblers don't always line up so the key won't turn. The answer I've found is to lift the key before attempting to turn it.

Chris
Christopher Marshall

Is it not preferable to keep methods of boot access off the board? Lord knows who reads it!
David S

Smashing it to break in is obvious, any other method is long winded. all methods will cause the alarm to go off, given this whats the complaint?
Will Munns

Does the Alarm go off when it is set and you open the boot by any method ??? Mine does not !!

Geoff F.
G. Farthing

Treffen method (unbolting the boot hinges) is the only one i feel happy about details being on the board. I personally know of 4 ways to access the boot, but the Treffen one is the only 'safe' one (takes too long, requires full access to the cabin, tends to draw a crowd as you strip the parcel shelf etc).

Plus, the other three ususally entail some form of damage to the car. :-O

Therefore the other three should be on a need to know basis only AFAIC, whether they are obvious or not.

Anyone can read this board, and we don't want some spotty oik, fresh out of Borstal breaking into our boots, or damaging our cars in the attempt because he read how to do it on a forum now do we?

SF
Scarlet Fever

>Does the Alarm go off when it is set and you open the
>boot by any method ??? Mine does not !!

Yes, with the exception of the key. The key switches off the perimeter alarm except the bonnet sensor.
Will Munns

Kim, be advised that the Treffen method doesn't really give you that much of a gap to work through - but it might be sufficient for you to grab the lock operating cable - but a lot will depend on where the cable has actually failed (assuming cable failure)... :o/

Not sure whether to mention the tools you'll need on the forum - so will email you...
Rob Bell

Hi guys.

I just fixed my lock today. Used the "Treffen method" to gain access to the boot and used a long screwdriver to trigger the lock from the inside. It turns out that my cable had popped out of place. Putting it back in place took 1 minute (after spending about 1½ hour getting access to the boot ;-)
And just to let discussions from a previous thread to sleep:
1) Yes, "Treffen" IS more than a "key retreival" method - it CAN be used for "lock triggering".
2) Yes, "Treffen" can be performed without any damage to the car, what so ever.

... and like SF I agree - no harm in the "Treffen" method being accessible here - it's of little use to others than unfortunate MGF owners.

Thanx for your help. Especially the guys who e-mailed me (SF, JohnP, Robert, Jeff).

Regards
Kim
KGV Vineke

Which just goes to show that the TREFFENs are just about fun but are also serious research -- talking of which the next one is in August see my web site http://www.tednewman.me.uk/ --:-)

Ted
Ted Newman

I agree with SF and Rob the trffen methods is quite safe for it to be on the BBS as for it to work the car must be unlocked due to access required to the cabin area and is not a quick method, the only problem is if the tools are in the boot you are stuffed.

Tom
Tom Randell

I understand what you mean by the Treffen method now. Not sure when that team discovered the technique, but before you make any claims to fame, you should know that Diamond Motors of Hatfield showed me how to do it in 1998.

As always, you'll find am reference to it in the archive.

Chris
Christopher Marshall

>> I just fixed my lock today. Used the "Treffen method" to gain access to the boot and used a long screwdriver to trigger the lock from the inside. It turns out that my cable had popped out of place. Putting it back in place took 1 minute (after spending about 1½ hour getting access to the boot ;-) <<

Great news Kim - and well done! :o)

Chris - just shows that there is "nothing new under the sun" ;o) I think we 'rediscovered' the Treffen method in 2000?
Rob Bell

Diamond Motors of Hatfield no longer exist, sadly. Replaced a month ago by a branch of Phoenix.
JohnP

Yep, Treffen 2000 Rob. :-)

Basically we were in (Belgium IIRC) and were about to head off on the day's trip when one of our number managed to lock the keys in the boot.

We tried the AA method, but only succeeded in denting the wing. This failed because the boot was jam packed full of stuff.

So, we scratched our heads for a bit and between us we came up with what has become known as the Treffen method in these circles. Until today i had no idea it was already in use within dealerships, all i can say is that a few of us put our thinking caps on and one by one all the pieces fell into place. :-)

If indeed it is in the archives, maybe one or more of us were subliminally influenced?

Anyway, some pix from Stefan's website of the incedent in question:

>> http://www.ultimatemg.com/mgf/events4/gallerypic05.jpg <<

>> http://www.ultimatemg.com/mgf/events4/gallerypic06.jpg <<

>> http://www.ultimatemg.com/mgf/events5/gallerypic16.jpg <<

>> http://www.ultimatemg.com/ << HOME PAGE

SF
Scarlet Fever

@SF Who are all those young men in the piccies? They look a bit like children of people I know.
JohnP

LOL, i know what you mean! :-)

From memory...

Pic 1 (left to right)
? - Andy Bates - Rob Bell - Tom Randell - Peter (person responsible for the predicament!) - Paul Sharpe

Pic 2 (L to R)
Hmmm, Paul Sharpe again (difficult to be sure) - ? - Paul's Dad - Rob Bell (i think!) - Tom Randell - Gen Nam - Ann Beet - Patrick Beet

Pic 3 (L to R)
Peter - ME!

:-)

SF
Scarlet Fever

This thread was discussed between 18/05/2004 and 23/05/2004

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