Topic: Trunk doesn't always completely open

[b0n2a1]

When go to open the trunk it doesn't always pop up all the way. I have to put an finger in one of the trunk holes and push the trunk release again to pull it up. Has anyone else had this issue? is there a way to make it pop all the way up every time?

Thanks

[Gentleman Jack]

There has been some posting about this, but the first things to check are alignment and lube. Is it possible the trunk is out of alignment?  Do the gaps look right when it's closed?

GJ

[Critterman]

Is it always the same side that hangs up?

[snaponbob]

I had that problem a couple of times. The first was handled by the dealership (when I had one!!). The second time, I did the work. In my case, no amount of lube worked. Once I had the trunk open the black mat was removed to see what surprises awaited. I saw that the plastic assembly that attached the single cable from the servo to the two cables going to the releases had broken which allowed the single cable to not fully pull the release cables. I cut two large split pins, laid them along the sides of the assembly, and taped everything up real well. The plastic assembly no longer shifted around and the pull from the primary cable was completely translated to the two cables going to the releases. After a couple months, it is still working fine.

Brought to you be ye ol' shade tree mechanic.

[kennysabarese]

This happened to me when I asked the dealer to fix it because it wasn't staying open. Now that they've touched it, it doesn't open correctly, and doesn't stay open

[DeepBlueGXP]

Do you have the version 1 Wind Restrictor installed or a windrestrictor that is installed in the aft portion of the humps?

Also, the springs for the trunk lid tend to soften over time and the trunk will not open. 
This helps a lot.  You can goto Lowes/Ace Hardware and purchase a set of prings 5/8" x 2-1/2" x .072"

http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/productdetails.aspx?sku=5214044&source=GoogleBase

http://www.lowes.com/pd_193831-37672-543002_4294865718+4294825165_4294937087?productId=3115805&pl=1&currentURL=/pl__4294865718%204294825165_4294937087_?identifier=

I have these installed in over the bar in the trunk and I drilled a small hole in the hook that is part of the original spring.

[NormSky]

Just do the spring mod. Nice touch when others are watching and your walking up to the car to put something in the rear.

Norm

[KWhale]

Deep, do you have a picture of one of the springs installed?  I'm not clear on where you install them.

[TomatoSoup]

Photos in Original post here: http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/f62/solstice-vid-2-1-2-inch-spring-trunk-mod-57477/

[DeepBlueGXP]

I drilled a small hole it the metal part that hooks over the stock bar spring and then hooked it to the rod that goes from left to right.  I'll take a photo tonight.

[KWhale]

Thanks for that link Soupy!  Joe, no need to go take and download the pics I asked for as that link above is very clear where the springs go on at.  Of course, if you're doing a How To in Joe's Garage, then you'll probably need the pictures 


For what it's worth, the above link was later edited to indicate just using 1 spring may be enough to make the lid raise all the way nice and smooth.  When I try this mod, I'll try 1 spring and see if it works well enough or not.

[DeepBlueGXP]

I did one first and it doesn't quite open all the way, it moves to the mid point.  Two opens all the way but I caution you on windy days.

[Treeman]

Did you try just slipping the loop of the spring over the hinge rod sticking out in your picture instead of drilling a hole?  I tried this the other day since you showed me at the meet - it looks like it would stay but the springs I had were wrong (one too strong and the other too weak).

[DeepBlueGXP]

I tried but once I was over the rod, I couldn't get them to reach

[Brad Kenny]

Looking forward to getting this done on my SOL. Should be a huge improvement over the current installation. So many projects, so little time.

[Sky 5]

Go ahead and place the springs on both sides for stress balance.
Used the drill method and painted them black before installation.
Looks sorta OEM and has worked fine for about 18 months now.

[b0n2a1]

Wow apparently I am not the only one with this issue. I like the spring idea. I may do that. But as gentleman Jack noted I have an alignement issue.
ON the drivers side of the trunk I am missing a spacer.
How do I go about fixing this alignment issue.

Thanks

[Gentleman Jack]

Two hands and twist real hard.  then add a pad to match the other side.  Seriously, most adjustments require some brute strength.  I have not been able to find any other way to adjust the fitment issue you have.

GJ

[kennysabarese]

There is a body panel adjustment guide PDF... Here it is

[DeepBlueGXP]

take a photo of the whole edge of the side that's out of alignment. 
- If the front lip is up too, then there is a pad on the inside that needs to be adjusted down. 
- If the front left lip is flush, then take a photo of the spots behind the two hinges and note if there is a small dimple rising directly behind the hinges.
- If there is small dimples, then the rear deck lid has been sprung back too far and needs adjusting.   That is more complicated.
- If no dimple, then like GJ said, brute force is required to bend the lid.  Two people, one usually support the front left as the other pushes down on the rear section.

Good luck

[Critterman]

First time we saw that done at the factory, I thought the owner, whose car was being worked on, was going to $%!* a brick.

[b0n2a1]

@DeepBlueGXP the front is flush. I will check for the dimples in the morning.
Hoping I don't have to resort to brute force.
Thanks.

[Gentleman Jack]

@DeepBlueGXP the front is flush. I will check for the dimples in the morning.
Hoping I don't have to resort to brute force.
Thanks.

Did Brute come out to play?  It is easier on the mind if you do this after a few drinks... not too many drinks, just a few.  No need to get crazy.

GJ

[IBDRINKEN]

im thinking a bfh

[Critterman]

No hammers, just brute upper body strenght