Trunk Latch Jamming Up

[manp0899]

Oddest thing, all of a sudden the trunk latch stopped responding. I thought it was the trunk catch net got stuck or even a strap from a backpack sticking out, after attempts it just kind of worked. I removed the netting and strap and closed it it did the same thing. It almost seemed delayed. The reason why i say this is when you set the door to close it, the motor works fine and just closes, when you try to open it it just doesnt respond intially but after 10 seconds or so and constant pulling it just seems to all of a sudden catch and open. I wonder if its the locking mechanism where it catches or is it from underneath the handle where you old to open it? It was still dark out and luckily it closes so I drove along my way, tomorrow I want to inspect it further. Looks like there is some rust that I can clean out. Weird thing is prior to this is just worked smoothly, no issues and no concerns. Ill prob try to clean it out with some WD40 and see how that works. Any other suggestions? Will I need a new latch? How is the install?

 

[manp0899]

So an update: I opened and the closed the door a couple times this time with patients. I tried powering down the car, and it started working again? ANy explanations?

 

[T4R_Idiot]

So an update: I opened and the closed the door a couple times this time with patients. I tried powering down the car, and it started working again? ANy explanations?

There's a dual mechanism in the auto trunk latch. One to draw it in, and the other to hold it shut. Mine did the opposite of yours where the locking mechanism would no longer hold it shut.

On my '03, the seal between the gate and the plastic latch cover had deteriorated and water/dirt was able to get into the latch. I removed it, cleaned it out and hit it a couple of times with PB. That worked for about another 6 months and then the same problem as you have started to show up. I cleaned it again, lasted a month and then it started again. I finally broke down and purchased a new full assembly (not cheap) and replace it along with a heavy duty seal.

Hope this helps.

 

[Angstrom]

There's a dual mechanism in the auto trunk latch. One to draw it in, and the other to hold it shut. Mine did the opposite of yours where the locking mechanism would no longer hold it shut.

On my '03, the seal between the gate and the plastic latch cover had deteriorated and water/dirt was able to get into the latch. I removed it, cleaned it out and hit it a couple of times with PB. That worked for about another 6 months and then the same problem as you have started to show up. I cleaned it again, lasted a month and then it started again. I finally broke down and purchased a new full assembly (not cheap) and replace it along with a heavy duty seal.

Hope this helps.

I had to replace the module earlier this year. Big bucks. If I recall, it was around $700 installed (although I don't know if I did something else at the time, like an oil change). But it had to be done, it wouldn't lock at all anymore.

 

[strathcona]

I did my 03 a couple of years ago as it was doing the same thing as yours. IIRC, the mechanism cost me $150 and it took me about 45 min to do. Easy do-it-yourself fix.