2 days from buying an 07 and i get dodgy boot lock and now i read this lot.!!!
i found no magnets in anything i took apart
answer.... yes pull the rubber off the handle area to get into the boot (or thump the area above lock mine worked this way), push micro switch behind metal flap boot will open, mine was full of water too.
After taking the switch/lock out, i can see you will NEVER get the rubber cover back properly on unless you take it off the car, (there is 2 little bits of the rubber that act as a spring to pull the metal plate off the switch!!!!)
BUT you will need to open and take the back off the hatch to put it back on so be prepared to spend 1-2 hours doing so. but it is easy and easily accessible
tools- sharp knife torx25 8mm socket+extension and common sense. anymore help than this post a reply and i'll see what i can do :-)
Pete
October 2011