Can't open trunk

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Old Dec 22, 2008 | 12:58 PM
  #1  
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Can't open trunk

Hi everyone,
I have the same problem with my 2002 TLS where the remote and the button on the driver's side does not open the trunk Even after switching the trunk lock in the glove compartment several times as suggested on this thread.

The only way to open the trunk is through the back seat lever. I have also checked all my fuses and they seem fine. It seems like the problem is sitting in the latch itself? I appreciate any help, it's been so frustrating!
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Old Dec 22, 2008 | 01:39 PM
  #2  
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Welcome to AZ!

I moved your post from 2G RL to the 2G TL forum, where you will obtain more appropriate answers. I also started it as a new thread.
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Old Dec 22, 2008 | 07:41 PM
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Wow. I'm searching the message boards for the same problem. It just happened this week. Only the inside trunk release will open the trunk.
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Old Dec 22, 2008 | 07:44 PM
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open the trunk and try poping it open with the door switch and the remote, if it doesnt open up, i would buy a new trunk latch, i had to buy one since my old one was destroyed and wouldnt hold the trunk closed...easy to switch
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Old Dec 22, 2008 | 08:32 PM
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open the trunk, put a screwdriver in it so it locks over teh screwdriver and try the remote and see if u hear any clicking. might be the connection in the remote (did u try the button on the door?) or pull off the cover and look at the latch, maybe something poped out or is stuck
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Old Dec 22, 2008 | 08:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Rajca
open the trunk, put a screwdriver in it so it locks over teh screwdriver and try the remote and see if u hear any clicking
Do you hear any clicking at all when you HOLD the button on the remote or push the button in your door?
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Old Dec 22, 2008 | 09:02 PM
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No clicking at all. Not from the remote, or the door button. Its very strange. Is this a fused connection?
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Old Dec 22, 2008 | 09:17 PM
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might be a fuse if not u have and open in the wire some where
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Old Dec 22, 2008 | 09:30 PM
  #9  
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Fixed it I think

Hey guys,
I can hear a clicking noise in the trunk latch when I hit the button. So I knew there was some kind of power going into the latch.

Warning: I am not an experienced technician, I'm just sharing my exploration with this problem. You can give this a try at your own risk.

So I took a risk and took everything apart, and this includes prying the black unit apart that has the motor in it that seemed to be making the clicking noise (I knew my car was already out of warranty and decided to explore).

Pictured below is the motor that is attached to a plastic cork screw which spins the blue gear. I opened the casing using a flat-head to pry the glue apart.

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/q...1222081303.jpg

At the end of the corkscrew was a cylinder thing that keeps the cork in place. It was kind of loose, which might have caused the corkscrew to slip off of the gear. I just readjusted it and super glued the casing back on. I also made sure that the blue gear was properly positioned as shown in the picture and not spun around in another direction. I put everything back together and it worked.

I was very careful to make sure everything was put back on the same way I took it off (helps to take pictures), and tested the latch before i closed the truck.

My assumption is that either the corkscrew thing or the gear was stuck or not aligned. I can't guarantee that this is a permanent fix.

Sorry for the lack of details, but if anyone is interested in actually prying apart the latch and possibly saving some money, I'm happy to share (considering that you checked fuses and the glove compartment switch). But like I said, I'm not a pro, so do it at your own risk.

-Minh
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Old Dec 22, 2008 | 09:46 PM
  #10  
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it was cold

oh btw, my latch broke when I was in Tahoe and it was snowing.
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Old Dec 22, 2008 | 09:55 PM
  #11  
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well its seem that worm gear can come lose or get out of place. super glue would seem like a good fix to me, just be careful were it goes.

my trunk opens fine its just that it squeaks like heck wen it goes up and down, any fixes for the squeaks? i geuss just lube it.

does ur fix work?
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Old Dec 23, 2008 | 01:03 AM
  #12  
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I sprayed some WD40 on the hinges just now and it works, just make sure it's not dripping on anything in your trunk and give it some time to air out cus it smells.
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Old Dec 24, 2008 | 03:20 PM
  #13  
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yep had the same problem with my trunk latch, nothing a little wd40 couldn't solve
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Old Dec 25, 2008 | 07:40 PM
  #14  
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Originally Posted by spoka
yep had the same problem with my trunk latch, nothing a little wd40 couldn't solve
WD40 fixed your inop latch or squeaking noise?
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Old Dec 25, 2008 | 08:51 PM
  #15  
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the latch was sticking and the wd40 loosened up the dirt and corrosion
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Old Jan 17, 2009 | 11:10 AM
  #16  
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follow up post.

Just when I thought I had to make a dealer appointment. My battery died. Damn. So I replace the battery, and guess what? The trunk release is working again. Inside button AND remote. Its the damnest thing. Perhaps the voltage level was too low to trigger the trunk latch.

Sa da Tay!
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Old Jan 18, 2009 | 03:24 PM
  #17  
totaledTL's Avatar
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Low voltage can be a source of weird problems.
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Old Jan 18, 2009 | 07:09 PM
  #18  
gold2003tl (90)'s Avatar
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From: Reading, PA
my trunk always made a squeaking/creaking noise until i oiled the hinges. it almost seems like a common problem with our TLs
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