Yet another Front Trunk won’t open but this time cable operated latch

[keitho64]

On my 2000 C2 the front trunk will not open. This is a cable operated latch not electric. When you pull the lever I can only describe the feel as different. I am not sure if the cable stretched or not. There is a little sound from the front latch but not enough movement to release it.

I had a friend hold the lever up while I used some plastic tools to try and pry up, swing the second latch and push down while pulling the lever up. So far no luck.

I pulled out the passenger side inner fender liner but could not see any cable present. I assume since my car does not have an electric latch it is not present.

Do any of you have ideas about how to open this? I can’t take the bumper cover off without opening the trunk so not sure yet how to solve this.

Thanks in advance.

[keitho64]

OK so I couldn’t find an emergency release in the passenger side front fender well. I am not sure if the earlier 996’s have one or not.

I pulled out the handle mechanism out and removed the end of the cable. I pulled on it with pliers and had someone at the hood. Still no luck.

I’m going to remove the drivers side tire and fender well to see if I can reach the latch that way. If I can get it open, I’ll put on a new cable and latch.

I’m still open to hearing from anyone else with ideas. All I can find is instructions for the electric latch, not cable. Stay tuned, more to come.

[keitho64]

Well I started taking the bumper cover off from below. I found the emergency cable. All excited I pulled on it and nothing. So something in the latch is messed up or bound. I am not sure where to go from here. Does anyone have good photos of the front latch with the bumper cover off? Maybe I can loosen the bolts to get it off. Thx in advance.

[keitho64]

I ended up removing all the bolts I could get to on the bumper cover. I was able to pull it off. I used a 10mm open end wrench to remove the hook from the trunk lid. Once that was off I was able to remove the whole latch. It looks like the main spring jammed and bound up the mechanism. I ended up with the latch in a vise and used a pry bar to free it.

Installed the new latch tonight and it is adjusted and working like a charm.

Since the cover was off I cleaned out the radiators and condensors. There was a lot of debris in between them.

Tomorrow I am installing mesh screens behind the grill openings and will put the bumper cover back on.

If anyone wants more details let me know.

[keitho64]