trunk latch broke

[Kevin Lewis]

How do I get into my rear trunk since the latch broke?

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

First, check around for any emergency release cables the previous owner may have left you. They may be up by the muffler, or back behind the bumper, or...

Next, push down on the lid while trying to push the button to open it.

If that fails, go into the engine compartment, and push out the plastic cups that your roof latches would sit in. Use one to shine a flashlight into, and the other one to put as many extensions together as you can so you can reach across the trunk and unbolt the trunk latch reciever from the rear panel. It's either a pair of 10mm or 13mm bolts. Tape the extensions together so you don't lose them! You might, if you know what you're looking for, be able to press the catch to release the latch, but that's not easy.

Alternately, you can try unbolting the rear lid from the hinges in the engine bay, then carefully push the front of the lid up to try to get clearance to unbolt the latch.

Or you could drill out the lock and replace it later.

--DD

[RJMII]

Dave, you always have the best answers. That sure beats using a sawzall or plasma cutter. Of course, with either of them, there wouldn't be any need to fish around with the extensions.

*note to self: add auxiliary entry method to rear trunk*