Trunk won't open (resolved)

Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's, Olds 98 91-96, Buick Lesabres and Park Avenue 91-96. Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.
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JMH1950
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Trunk won't open (resolved)

Post by JMH1950 »

A few days ago my trunk decided not to latch, no big deal, one of my trunk springs is broken so the lid stays down.

Today I decided to try and fix both problems, but thought I should fix the latch first. I noticed that the locking tab wasn't in the proper position to keep the latch closed so disconnected the electrical part of the assembly and noticed that the locking tab was now back where it should be. I closed the lid. It locked just like it was supposed to, however now I can't get it to open. The key turns in the lock like it should, but it won't unlatch the lock, and since the electric part is disconnected, that won't work either.
Anyone have any idea how to get it open?
Last edited by JMH1950 on Thu Feb 21, 2013 4:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.
wjcollier07 wrote:Darn it John...now you got me thinking mine's not big enough.
2001 F150 a basic six cyl with 5 speed manual trans.
'66 Piper Cherokee 360 CID , 180 hp, 155 mph @ 2500 rpm, drop in K&N filter.
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MattStrike
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Re: Trunk won't open

Post by MattStrike »

Find somebody small to crawl in through the seat access and reconnect the electrical harness?

Edit:
Or remove the back seat and the plastic shroud, should be large enough for a regular human being to fit through.
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JMH1950
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Re: Trunk won't open

Post by JMH1950 »

The electrics are not working, that was the original problem. Is there any way to open the latch from inside? Assuming I can get in there will all the junk that's piled in there.

Will the lock not operate with the key if the electric activated box is removed?
wjcollier07 wrote:Darn it John...now you got me thinking mine's not big enough.
2001 F150 a basic six cyl with 5 speed manual trans.
'66 Piper Cherokee 360 CID , 180 hp, 155 mph @ 2500 rpm, drop in K&N filter.
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MattStrike
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Re: Trunk won't open

Post by MattStrike »

I think you can, turn the latch manually with a screwdriver. There should be a rod that goes between the lock cylinder and the latch, it just has to turn.
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'97 Camaro - Top swap
'05 STS - V8, AWD, her DD
'92 Trofeo - Fair weather DD
'99 Montana - top swap 3800
'04 Sierra 2500HD - LLY Duramax

Current project:
Something cool, trust me.

Upcoming projects:
'92 Bonneville SSE
'87 LeSabre T-type
'67 LeSabre

Gone to greener pastures:
'84 Sierra Classic - Twin turbo 3800
'97 LeSabre - Top swap

RIP:
'86 LeSabre - pictures
'93 SE - L67
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JMH1950
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Re: Trunk won't open

Post by JMH1950 »

OK, it seems that the latch is opened with a cable if using the key. I managed to crawl in the trunk from the back seat and remove the trunk lid liner to use a screw driver to open the latch.

It seems the solenoid isn't working properly and won't let the latch close, that was my original problem.

Can anyone tell me if the solenoid assembly is specific to Bonnevilles or do other models use the same setup?
wjcollier07 wrote:Darn it John...now you got me thinking mine's not big enough.
2001 F150 a basic six cyl with 5 speed manual trans.
'66 Piper Cherokee 360 CID , 180 hp, 155 mph @ 2500 rpm, drop in K&N filter.
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MattStrike
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Re: Trunk won't open

Post by MattStrike »

generally, across the same body line they use the same parts for anything but styling. So any H-body and probably C-body would work.
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The Fleet:
'93 SSEi - Twincharged + manual Build thread
'97 Camaro - Top swap
'05 STS - V8, AWD, her DD
'92 Trofeo - Fair weather DD
'99 Montana - top swap 3800
'04 Sierra 2500HD - LLY Duramax

Current project:
Something cool, trust me.

Upcoming projects:
'92 Bonneville SSE
'87 LeSabre T-type
'67 LeSabre

Gone to greener pastures:
'84 Sierra Classic - Twin turbo 3800
'97 LeSabre - Top swap

RIP:
'86 LeSabre - pictures
'93 SE - L67
User avatar
JMH1950
Posts like an L36
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Posts: 1145
Joined: Wed May 21, 2008 8:38 pm
Year and Trim: no longer a Bonneville owner
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Re: Trunk won't open (resolved)

Post by JMH1950 »

Just happened to find an Olds LS that had an actuator that fit just nicely. Trunk opens and closes perfectly once again.
wjcollier07 wrote:Darn it John...now you got me thinking mine's not big enough.
2001 F150 a basic six cyl with 5 speed manual trans.
'66 Piper Cherokee 360 CID , 180 hp, 155 mph @ 2500 rpm, drop in K&N filter.
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