Trunk Lock Clarification, Please

[5String43]

Just to be sure I've got this right - after a quick search, I'm under the impression that the trunk lock key always turns 180 degrees.

Is that correct? Are there any exceptions at all to this?

My key, when inserted into the lock, will turn just 90 degrees. That locks things, but I am unable to withdraw the key. So there's no practical way to lock the trunk in my car, leading me to suspect that the lock itself is broken.

I would very much like to rectify this problem.

Any ideas, anyone?

[Bob Kontak]

My 81 SC turns 180 degrees. Checked it just now.

I remember my key sticking in the distant past but don't remember if it stopped at 90 degrees when it would stick. I had to wiggle the key around a lot to get it out but I was able to keep it locked. Don't know if I sprayed WD40 in there or not but I have not had problems for years.

[Oh Haha]

I would start by using some graphite lock lubricant.

[spuggy]

Originally Posted by 5String43

Just to be sure I've got this right - after a quick search, I'm under the impression that the trunk lock key always turns 180 degrees.

Is that correct? Are there any exceptions at all to this?

My key, when inserted into the lock, will turn just 90 degrees. That locks things, but I am unable to withdraw the key. So there's no practical way to lock the trunk in my car, leading me to suspect that the lock itself is broken.

I would very much like to rectify this problem.

Any ideas, anyone?

You reminded me that I have an ignition lock, glovebox and trunk lock and key in a box. Thought I knew the answer, but went and played with it to be sure.

The key needs to turn 180 degrees to be removed. Key will only turn 90 degrees if the locking portion is not aligned correctly with the hole in the casting and cannot fully extend - I think that's likely your problem.

Maybe the end slipped on the cable and isn't aligned correctly? Try pulling it out slightly. Or maybe it needs to go from side-to-side a little? If you're desperate, you could drop it off the dash and eyeball the lock receiver - might be faster if you don't get it immediately.

Were these only fitted to targas and cabs? Or do later coupes have them as well?

I never found that graphite works well for locks, even though they sell it for precisely that purpose - it may improve things briefly, but things are even worse once it goes gummy in all the existing oil and grease and stops the pins moving freely in the tumbler - especially in the winter.

I found that washing the lock out liberally (don't be frightened - keep spraying it until junk stops coming out) with silicon lubricant works best of all - and had a helpful locksmith cutting a key for me ("this looks like an old 911 ignition key" "yup, sure is") advise me the same thing, years after I'd figured it out myself

[5String43]

Yep. This one will turn just 90 degrees - and maybe even not quite that much. No amount of wiggling, pushie-pullie, will allow the key to turn the full 180 degrees. At 90 degrees the trunk is indeed locked, but as indicated, I cannot withdraw the key.

In reference to the lock aligning with a hole in the casting - is this hole visible? If so, where is it located on the casting? Do I correctly understand that the casting must be removed from its mount under the dash?

Thanks again for the advice.