Topic: Trunk Opening Failure (Need HELP!!!)

[Brad Kenny]

I went to open my trunk today to put the top down for the drive into work.  Hit the trunk release on the fob, hear the trunk release, but does not pop up the normal 3-4".

Hit the fob again, while pulling up on the trunk and it releases and opens manually. 

Upon investigation, the driver's tensioning bar is hanging loose/broken. It is not in the hook that prevents over-travel and moves freely in place. (Lots of wiggle in all directions) This is the same piece of metal that some have put springs on for the "trunk assist" for opening.

I need help, has anyone taken apart the rear of the trunk?  Had this problem? Difficulty in disassembly? Ease of repair?
With pictures,  I would gladly tear open the trunk and effect these repairs, and document in case this happens again.

I have no issues of tearing into my car, but right now not having a trunk that is not operable (other than manually) is unacceptable.

The soonest dealership appt is Monday at 1000 at an ex-Pontiac Dealership, but they cannot promise when she will be repaired. I think this is pretty minor, and frankly do not feel like waiting until Monday to have it "looked at"!!!

[smartin]

There was a mod meet where they had to take a slim knife to Chuck's trunk to get it open!

Sometimes my trunk won't open, but I just press down on it again and release it again. That usually clears it.

Good luck!

[TomatoSoup]

I saw that elff had an issue where he broke the hinge/hook piece after drilling a hole when doing the spring mod.  He said the hinge was only $25  http://www.kappaperformance.com/forum/index.php?topic=3299.940

Not sure if this is the same piece that's broken in yours or not.  Photos?

[Gentleman Jack]

CT-
Get a really big hammer.

GJ

[Brad Kenny]

Well, was not willing to wait until MONDAY to get my trunk looked at...

Guess what?  

What you say?  

Here's a new one...

My tensioner bar, (that thing that everyone puts aftermarket springs on to help open the trunk) is snapped in two.  Brittle fractured about two inches towards the center on the driver's side.  The dealership is ordering a new bar and will have to dismantle the whole rear of the car (including the back bumper) to replace the bar.  Well the car has to go into the body shop to remove the rear decklid and the bumper, then they should be able to replace the bar.  

Dealer is an ex-Pontiac, and has serviced quite a few Solstices and Skys but has NEVER seen this one before. All the service men came out and looked at it (cause they wanted to see my SOL)   to give their opinion on why it happened and what it would take to fix it.  The SOL specialist came back form lunch and explained EXACTLY what it would take and how to do it. (Guess she will be in the shop for about a week to get this one part (the bar) replaced... BOOHOO!!!        

So for now, just manually lifting the trunk lid, and making sure I am careful not to catch anything on the broken bar when I let her down. Hopefully, repairs will be done in the next week or two.  

Thank you for still being under warranty. Boy this could have been extremely expensive!!!

[Brad Kenny]

Thanks Susan and BB GJ for the replies...

[Critterman]

There are two tention bars, and you are right this is the first time I have heard of one breaking.  We have had the rears off at Joe's before and it will be a pain to fix it.

[smartin]

Thanks Susan and BB GJ for the replies...

Anytime, Jeremy!

[Critterman]

thanks for the visual Joe, did you take any pictures of the back of the car with it off, I don't remember?

[DeepBlueGXP]

I may have them at home.

[Brad Kenny]

I have no intention of taking this on, unless someone with A LOT of experience is willing to help me along... This is definitely a dealership job, guess it's time to test them out.

[GaryDN]

CT did you get this fixed yet?  just wonder how long it was at the dealer