Automatic boot opening Mondeo Mk3

The Ford Mondeo hit our roads in 1993, and has consistently been a sales success. Now on its 4th incarnation, it remains a drivers favourite. For more information, visit the Ford Mondeo forum on TalkFord.com, the definitive resource site covering all Fords from the present day to the 1970's.

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Overview Guide
Ford Model:	Mondeo Mk3
Petrol/Diesel:	Diesel
Estimated Cost:	£26
Difficulty?	Easy
How long does this take?	30 min

Automatic boot opening

First things first you will need a pair of compression spring. I've ordered mine online from www.industrial-springs.com, stock number ST51740. Alternatively you can find them by dimensions :

Abbrev	Description	Value
Dh	Min. hole	19.05 mm
Dd	Max shaft	9.52 mm
L0	Free length	114.30 mm
R	Spring constant	11.2 N/mm
S1	Optimal service life at F1	28.58 mm
L1	Length at F1	85.73 mm
F1	Force at S1	320.00 N
Sn	Max travel	53.72 mm
Ln	Max loaded length	60.58 mm
Fn	Max force	602.00 N

Required tools : flat head screw driver, G-clamp, 2xcompression springs, 2 heat shrink tubes (20mm diameter)
Step 1:
Remove boot gas struts by pulling back the retaining clasp. Careful not to remove it completely, just pull them backwards and slide them towards the end. One gas strut is not powerful enough to sustain the tailgate so careful not to get hurt.

Step 2:
Once removed the gas strut use a G-clamp to hold it tight.

Step 3:
Use a tubular shaped tool that would fit the hole in the head of the gas strut ( I've used the handle from a set of Allen keys).



Unscrew the head.

Step 3:
Fit the compression spring and the heat shrink tube.

Step 4:
Screw back the head of the gas strut.

Step 5:
Fit the gas strut on the tailgate and use a lighter to shrink the tube.