Trunk Solenoid Failing?

[gsmiller]

My front trunk sometimes decides it doesn't feel like opening when I hit the trunk release button. When this happens, I don't hear the solenoid click, or sometimes I can hear it but it sounds very weak. It should be getting plenty of "juice" since I just dropped a brand new battery in today. The weird part is, if I drive around a little bit or sometimes just wait and try again later, it works. Are these signs that the solenoid that pops the trunk is failing? Anything else I should check? On another note, I'm very thankful I re-routed my emergency cable pull before this all happened (just one of many helpful tips I've learned on this forum!). Thanks for reading!

[danzigsdad]

I am not an expert but I think that front trunk is a Cable pull only. I might simply need adjustment. the rear has the auto feature.

[Bryan Topping]

My 2001 did the same thing when I first got it. I just squirted a little WD40 in the lock mechanism & it's fine now.

[mikefocke]

For the 986, trunk lock actuation depends on the model year which is why you should either have the model year (and location) in your profile/signature or post it in any request for help.

[gsmiller]

Sorry, just realized I forgot to include year. It's an 02 Boxster S. The front is definitely solenoid on this model. Also, I tried WD40 a couple of times and really worked it into the latch mechanism but it keeps acting up.

[Hatzenbach]

I have EXACTLY the same problem (also MY 2002)
Sometimes it works and sometimes I just hear the solenoid engage, but no pop.
I also already applied generous amounts of WD40 which seemed to make it better but it didn't go away completely.

On the bright side: At least my secret location for hiding the emergency release cable worked out great

[gsmiller]

Hmm, sounds like a couple people have had the same problem. Has anyone fixed this or heard of a fix? If the solenoid assembly needs to be replaced, is that done with the front bumper cover off? Thanks again for the responses!

[Super 90]

I have no experience with this problem, but I have observed the solenoid in my '08. It doesn't appear that it's anchored to anything - it moves a bit when actuated. It's just kind of sitting there, near the latch and when actuated, it moves around at least a quarter inch or so. I would look at that, and make sure everything is tight and there's no slack anywhere. I would also use something like spray lithium grease in the latch mechanism rather than WD-40, but that's just me.

Let us know what works for you!

[gsmiller]

OK, I just spent some more time looking into this and here's what I found:

- With the trunk open and liner removed (leaving the solenoid unit itself exposed) I had my wife hit the release button over and over while I listened. The solenoid sounds noticeably weaker with every press of the button, then after 5 - 10 presses, it stopped making noise all together. I left it for a few minutes, came back, and it worked again but sounded really weak still and only worked a couple times before quitting again.

- While my wife was hitting the trunk release button, I watched the latch mechanism. The cable is moving the release latch just fine, even when the solenoid sounds weak. But, with the trunk closed, adding all that pressure to the release latch (since the latch is now holding down the metal piece that keeps the trunk shut, and is under pressure from the spring), the solenoid has a much harder time actually opening the trunk... especially as it sounds weaker.

So, I believe it's the solenoid that's failing but not knowing much about them, I'm not sure if that's common or makes sense. It seems the solenoid along with the cable is a separate part from the latch assembly (this guy here: Pelican Parts - Product Information: 996-511-127-00-M100) and looks easy enough to swap out but I'd love a second opinion before dropping the $80.

Thanks again for the responses!