URGENT HELP! Trunk Issues!

[v3boi]

Well, the cargo net got stuck between the latch when my daughter closed it. I've cut all the strings that were stuck, but it still won't open. I own a 02' 4Runner. I need help ASAP. Please and thank you.

 

[alaskaman]

remind me is the rear hatch on the 02 an auto closing mechanism similar to the 07? If not, there may be some hope without going to a dealer. the pressure placed by the added strings must be preventing it opening. I suggest having two strong people press on the rear hatch and shoot some compressed air into the lock area. perhaps they will move around. you could use compressed water with a potentially similar result. you may have to try a few times. the other idea is to pour some fluid which will eat away at the remaining strings but leave metal unharmed.....

 

[TheBlueWave]

remind me is the rear hatch on the 02 an auto closing mechanism similar to the 07? If not, there may be some hope without going to a dealer. the pressure placed by the added strings must be preventing it opening. I suggest having two strong people press on the rear hatch and shoot some compressed air into the lock area. perhaps they will move around. you could use compressed water with a potentially similar result. you may have to try a few times. the other idea is to pour some fluid which will eat away at the remaining strings but leave metal unharmed.....

Bleach would work, but it may dissolve some plastic pieces, as an organic solvent would. You should try the compressed air or water, don't put any solvents on any surface of the truck other than as a last resort.

 

[alaskaman]

Yah like Blue Wave said. water I think will have more force. might dump a can of oil down there also......

 

[Uneek]

Try having an adult (preferably) pull on the handle/release from the outside while someone on the inside give the hatch a good bump or kick to free it. (I recommend an adult in case the hatch opens, hopefully he or she can move out of the way to avoide injury.)

 

[Borderfolle]

I don't know if this helps, but my '03 has a plastic panel on the inside of the tailgate. Take it off and it gives you access to the latch mechanism. You can then try to manually release the tailgate and see if it will open.