Trunk Release???

[BiXLL]

Is our remote trunk release electric or just cable powered? I ask as I recently noticed I am no longer hearing my non functioning antenna running after I shut car off, but today I noticed my trunk release latch is not working either. Is it electric, and is it on same circuit as antenna? If so, where is fuse for them?

[GoinTopless240]

Hey BiXLL,I'm pretty sure it's a cable... mine hasn't worked in 9 years..lol.. hell I just got the trunk struts put in after being hit in the head by the trunk for 5 years..lol...

[wmdavis007]

It's cable released...you might have hit the switch in your trunk that makes it to where you have to use your key to open the trunk. It's there so you can lock off your trunk when you let someone drive your car like a valet...that is why when the car was new you got two keys...one was small and red...it won't unlock the trunk...it was called a valet key.

[BiXLL]

It's cable released...you might have hit the switch in your trunk that makes it to where you have to use your key to open the trunk. It's there so you can lock off your trunk when you let someone drive your car like a valet...that is why when the car was new you got two keys...one was small and red...it won't unlock the trunk...it was called a valet key.

Can you tell me more about this switch? Where is it, and how do I set it back?

[wmdavis007]

Open your trunk, look inside where the trunk latches and there is a small opening. There you will see a small metal lever...I believe if you push the lever down it will lock out the trunk release in the car...I'll try and see if I can take a pic of the owners manual where it talks about it.

[wmdavis007]

Here is a pic of the owners manual:

[BiXLL]

Thanks man, can't see the pic, but I found it from your description. Works like a charm again!

[Loki]

It's cable released...you might have hit the switch in your trunk that makes it to where you have to use your key to open the trunk. It's there so you can lock off your trunk when you let someone drive your car like a valet...that is why when the car was new you got two keys...one was small and red...it won't unlock the trunk...it was called a valet key.

That's what that key was for?? I always thought it was like an emergency key to keep in your wallet. That's what I used it for anyway, until I lost it in Walmart

[geijinavechihonkuruma]

Ok, Let's revive a dead thread.

I just bought a convertible. It's been sitting outside in Michigan weather with the top down for 2 years. The non-working transmission is out, and all the associated parts including a newer transmission are in the trunk. However the latch won't work and the key is stuck in the ignition.

I was looking at the carpet replacement thread...(zerothread/328714) an wondered if I can get to anything by getting the seats out and putting the top up?

What other ideas are out there?

[BiXLL]

How is the key "stuck" in the ignition? Is the switch all the way over to off? Can you trace the lockout cable from the shifter to see if it is engaged?

[geijinavechihonkuruma]

It's possible, I'll look into to it later this afternoon.

Originally I was thinking it had something to do with the transmission not being in "park or neutral" meaning the P/N switch wasn't complete. So I was going to try and jump it(since there is not trans in the car). This sounds more likely.

I have done the 5 speed swap on my 90 and didn't encounter any problems with the ignition lock. Only some trouble starting with the P/N switch. That's why I think it's the reason. Today is my first solid day in months to work on it. Hopefully I sort it all out.

[onosqv]

Although this should probably be a different thread. It's possible to release the key w/o power.

Just pop off the little plastic trim around the ignition cylinder (if you have one). Underneath the black button that you push to remove the key, there is a little metal spring/prong/whatever you wanna call it. You can get a small screwdriver or similar device and press/wiggle it and it will allow you to press the black button & remove your key.

As for the latch, the first thing I'd try would be to have 2 people. One hold up the latch while the other pulls on the trunk - it hasn't been opened in 2 years, so it could be a little stuck.

After that, try the key that you released in the method above.

[geijinavechihonkuruma]

Using the little black switch worked. It was a combination of this and the valet trunk lock that kept me out of the trunk. Now that I have all the pieces I can start to put it back together. finally!!!

[squonk]

This topic is awesome... I think I need to check on this because my switch stopped working all of a sudden after I was working inside of the trunk so maybe this switch got put into cancel and I don't have to tell someone hey the trunk doesn't work without the key. Lifesaver!