How to get deck lid open

[jcgranato]

How can I get the deck lid open on a 1985 911 targa when the cable pull is not working? When I pull it the deck lid pops up a bit but will not release completely. No matter what I can't get it open.

I did recently replace the struts but it worked fine after that. I assume it is an adjustment but I also assume I can't adjust it with out having the deck lid up.

Please Help!!

thanks.

Joe

[jstobo]

This is a problem that has been addressed many times. Search the 911 forum and you will see many techniques. Hope one works for you. It really is a PITA!

[sailchef]

Try poping the lid and continue pulling on the cable while another person tries to open it. It may just be an adjustment.

[jcgranato]

Originally Posted by jstobo

This is a problem that has been addressed many times. Search the 911 forum and you will see many techniques. Hope one works for you. It really is a PITA!

I did search before posting but all that came up was how to keep deck lid shut, not how to open. Can you give me some direction as to where to search?

[jcgranato]

Originally Posted by sailchef

Try poping the lid and continue pulling on the cable while another person tries to open it. It may just be an adjustment.

I tried this and no go. I am sure it's an adjustment, just need to open deck lid to do the adjustment.

Very frustrating.

[RWebb]

I. Emergency Tricks for 911

A. Fuel Filler Lid Release

Get a flat cotton cloth shoestring. Slip it under the rear of the fuel door, hold both ends of the shoestring and pull it gently toward the front of the car. The fuel door will spring open.

or use the bottom of a T-shirt or monofilament trimmer line, fishing line
Carry a spare shoestring in your emergency bag.

B. Rear Deck Lid

- Pull the handle and kick the left rear tire
- Drive over some sharp bumps (e.g. RR crossings)
- Press down on the lid while someone else pulls the cable release
- Unscrew the T handle from the end of the cable to make sure that the catch is fully retracted, then pull, tug, push, etc.

If you can get the lid up a little bit, insert a straightened coat-hanger and fish it around the male portion of the latch, pulling from different angles

To properly align, put strips of masking tape over the bottom part of the latch (hole) then lower the lid just enough to make an impression in the tape to check the alignment
Locked out of my engine compartment!!

Reach in and pull out the rubber seal that the deck lid rests against when shut. The rubber seal is only sitting on two ribs running the length of the body. Pull it up and work it out along the bottom... start with the side of the lid that was proud and then slowly pull it out working to the other side.

C. Front Trunk Lid
Get a helper and while they pull on the release, yank up swiftly on the hood. It should let go after a few tugs. Then you can readjust the cable at the release mechanism to accommodate the additional friction from the new hinge placement.

D. Emergency Kit

Shoestring for filler door emergency release
10” adjustable wrench
set of 7mm to 19mm wrenches
small socket set 3 to 17 mm
½" drive 19mm deep socket.
½" dr. Breaker Bar & 4" extension.
small mirror
hex key wrench (Allen) 2 thin It) mm.
Tube of Bosch Ignition Grease (Great stuff for any lubrication use)
Spark plug socket and 3" extension
Spark plug connector
Spark plug
small roll of Electricians tape
spare fan belt
Belt shims
small knife
small capsule of Coins
assortment of nuts, bolts, washers

[jcgranato]

Success! I got it open, adjusted the latch and it works like a champ.

I had installed the double struts on the left hinge (due to the weight of the whale tail) and I think that had something to do with it. As a fix, I removed the outer strut (I used bolts and nylon lined nuts. I had the inner strut in the original strut mount then a nut then the next strut then a nut) and put it in the glove box. When I need the deck lid to stay up I just slide it on the two bolts it was mounted to and presto it stays up. When I am done I just slide the strut off the bolts and put it away. It is a lot smaller than a piece of pipe or such to hold it up.

[Peter Zimmermann]

Originally Posted by jcgranato

Success! I got it open, adjusted the latch and it works like a champ.

I had installed the double struts on the left hinge (due to the weight of the whale tail) and I think that had something to do with it. As a fix, I removed the outer strut (I used bolts and nylon lined nuts. I had the inner strut in the original strut mount then a nut then the next strut then a nut) and put it in the glove box. When I need the deck lid to stay up I just slide it on the two bolts it was mounted to and presto it stays up. When I am done I just slide the strut off the bolts and put it away. It is a lot smaller than a piece of pipe or such to hold it up.

Now that makes too much sense! Great post!

[l_turn9]

Found this is the 72-83 Porsche Work Shop Manual. The reproduction isn't great but you can probably see what they are suggesting.