Engine deck lid will not open after adjusting it on 1975 Porsche 911

[ksblonde]

Just installed a new deck lid on my 1975 Porsche 911 and now it will not open. I installed a Porsche 964 deck lid and thought I had it adjusted correctly but now it will not open when I pull the release cable.

How do I get it to open again?

[RFP]

I'm probably going to be absolutely no help at all, but may I suggest that you complete your profile so we will know where you live... at least in general terms. I'm thinking that you might need some 'experienced' help and probably a Pelican local to you would be glad to help.

Here's wishing you a happy ending to this little 'crisis!'

Rob

[JSV798]

Try unscrewing the handle at the door end. This will simulate the cable breaking and when the cable breaks the catch should release - it's designed that way.
Here's something I contributed a while ago on this:


It is a good idea to remove the grille BEFORE you attempt adjustment. When adjusting bear in mind that the cable must be pre-tensioned. First make sure that the handle is fully screwed onto the cable at the door end. At the lock end loosen the cable clamp screw; the lock will then be open; it opens automatically if the cable breaks. Move the lever with the clamp screw to a point where you can see most of the "blade" and tighten the clamp screw. Test. If it fails to open you can reach in through the grille opening and release the lock lever by hand.

It is important to realize that the lock has two open positions: one when the cables has no tension and two when you pull on the handle. This clever design means that if the cable breaks the lock opens, otherwise as you have found there is a problem.

The front hood lock was the same on the early models but has been changed. Presumably it was thought not to be such a good idea to have the hood unlock at speed.

[Goth]

Try driving on uneven ground like going into a drive way at a 45 degree angle while pulling the release. Try both 45s if the first one doesn't work. Good Luck!

[pmax]

Try having someone lift the decklid a little while you pull the release handle.

[ksblonde]

Before I closed the lid I made sure that the cable was operating the catch blade in the latch and it seemed to slide out of the way just fine. I also made sure to adjust the pin so that it went center into the hole....but it still got stuck.

This is a 964 deck lid with spoiler I would like to add again. The car does not run right now as I was working to get it started but decided I wanted to take a break from that and install the deck lid.

I will try a couple of the tips you guys have provided.

[RSBob]

You also might try using the Advanced Search function on this topic since this has happened to a number of people. Be sure to search the 911 Technical forum only or you will get lots of other stuff to search through.

[pors1968]

Originally Posted by pmax

Try having someone lift the decklid a little while you pull the release handle.

That and try push it down ajustement(rubber) are to hight.

[TargaTony]

Have someone hold the release handle or wedge something in between the handle and door frame. Push on the lid so that it moves side to side while also lifting. Hopefully this moves the latch enough to release. Ask me how I know.

[gomezoneill]

The latch itself (on the lid) Has to be oriented in the correct direction front to rear. The rod has a slight angle to it that must face forward.

[ksblonde]

Originally Posted by gomezoneill

The latch itself (on the lid) Has to be oriented in the correct direction front to rear. The rod has a slight angle to it that must face forward.

I did not know that. I now must find out what side should be facing forward. I did get the deck lid open but I want to make sure I adjust it correctly this time.

[gomezoneill]

Look closely at the spring coiled around the rod/latch from either side of the lid. It should be canted (slightly bent) towards the front of the car. There's a tab on the flat part of the latch that's fastened to the lid. This tab faces front or towards the rear I'm not sure of the correct orientation.

[gomezoneill]

Here's a previous post about the latch replacement. Note the photo of the latch with the notch.