rear trunk latch stuck?

L Sjoberg · L Sjoberg's Garage

my rear trunk seems to be stuck - it basically acts like it's locked, but will not open with the key. is there any other way to get the thing open to see what the problem is?

Tim Polzin · 07-24-1998, 11:12 AM

There is a pin on the back of the lock tumbler that engages the latch. Likely that pin has broken off. I've never tried this, but I understand you can reach the four trunk hinge bolts from the engine bay. After removing the bolts, you may be able to reach far enough into the trunk to release the latch....Good luck.

JP Noonan · 07-24-1998, 01:01 PM

My P.O. installed one of those Porsche reflector things with a remote, electric selenoid, trunk release. It has fail twice on me and I did, in fact, have to remove the trunk hinges. On the second try I learned that by loosening the hinges and shaking the lid it would pop the lock without completely removing the hinges. Two things to note: my trunk torsion bars are not installed, so be careful that they don't spring back on you (I don't know that they would but be careful). Also my paint job is so bad I didn't care if it got a little chipped up. Another thing about that second instance, the targa top was in the trunk and it was going to rain so I just shook the hell out of the lid in desperation.

JP Noonan · 07-24-1998, 01:02 PM

My P.O. installed one of those Porsche reflector things with a remote, electric selenoid, trunk release. It has fail twice on me and I did, in fact, have to remove the trunk hinges. On the second try I learned that by loosening the hinges and shaking the lid it would pop the lock without completely removing the hinges. Two things to note: my trunk torsion bars are not installed, so be careful that they don't spring back on you (I don't know that they would but be careful). Also my paint job is so bad I didn't care if it got a little chipped up. Another thing about that second instance, the targa top was in the trunk and it was going to rain so I just shook the hell out of the lid in desperation. I agree that the pin (I think called a "cam") is the problem. Someone sells a nylon replacement, ask Wayne.