I can't close my tailgate with the interior tailgate (trunk) switch. The external trunk switch both opens and closes the door just fine.

I've only had this 2010 E61 for about two months- I thought that the interior trunk switch was backlit whenever the tailgate is open- since this problem began yesterday the switch has been dark. (Can anyone confirm that this switch is backlit?)

I spent my evening reading this thread on E61 tailgate wiring issues - however I never saw anyone complaining about exactly this problem.

Before I tear apart the tailgate wiring is there anything else to check?

I took the switch out and it seemed that pins 2 & 3 shorted when the button is pressed (which would seem to indicate normal operation based on the attached diagram.

Here is a photo of the switch...

 

Perhaps to ask a simple question that someone who has taken the rear liftgate apart could answer.


According to the wiring diagram:
It appears that the Liftgate Handle Switch and Liftgate Close Switch are in parallel and those wires are tied together at B8 and go to the Power Liftgate Module on pin 14- does anyone know if those two grey wires from the switches are tied together in the liftgate or inside the car?

 

For better or worse other systems are starting to fail in the lift gate (right brake and reverse light). Seems clear what needs to be done.

 

it could simply be broken wires as happens in the boot harness
check where the wiring loom often bends near a hinge etc
you will easily see broen plastic wires etc if its the problem

 

Don't worry, it's not that bad to take it apart and fix those wires. As long as the tailgate window still opens. Once you can't open that window, that's when the real PITA starts. Trust me on this!

Once you take it apart, pull the wires in the back through the speaker enclosure and solder a few extensions to the wires. It's not a big deal, maybe 3-4 hrs worth of work, $50 total for wires and a soldering kit, if you don't already have one.

Good luck!