Sorry Patrick – I didn’t mean to appear patronising, but the majority of folk don’t seem have much idea how to go about nursing defunct mechanics back to life.
In the light of your problems I tried the hood on my own car yesterday for the first time in many months – low and behold it didn’t work.[:0] Only when I raised the cover manually did it function albeit in rather erratic manner. (It is certainly true the hood should only be operated using a fully charged battery or with the engine running, otherwise it’s liable to tying itself in knots. However, In my case, operating the hood with engine running I didn’t hear the hydraulics continue straining to close the cover when already closed until a “bang” when couple of hinge screws pull out of the cover.[
!]) However, operating the lift switch I did notice a “click” each time from behind the dash, so suspect there’s another relay lurking in there somewhere controlling hood electrics. But it is difficult to advise where to look next without the wiring diagram. I’ve been promised a replacement for the CD I lent out (never returned), but wait with baited breath for it’s arrival! In the meantime, shame no one has sketched the wiring diagram and posted it on the forum.
Regards voltages at fuses, I read 12v both ends of 5 amp fuse, which is a bit of a nonsense, so am inclined to disregard the discrepancy you observed. If it’s of any help, later in the week I’ll get someone to flick the operating switch while I attempt and identify which wire from switch connects to which terminal on which relay in boot. If you can eliminate the switch as culprit it will save pulling the dash out unnecessarily, although I’d be interested to know myself how it’s held in. (Intending to dump the auto box currently fitted, I imported a 6-speed Tremac, but have been partially put off fitting it, by the prospect of removing the dash to get at gear select mechanism.)
Over enthusiastic heater – luck you! Whether hot air or air con cold - never get much of either out of mine.