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Help! I can't open my trunk. The key turns but it won't unlatch. I carefully pried up the clam and looked inside... there's nothing jammed that I could see. I even pulled on the glowing escape handle with a coat hanger (and pulled it off!). My wallet and the soft top are both stuck inside. Any suggestions?
that sounds to me like something is broken. if i recall correctly, the mechanism is something like this: the key stalk is attached to a lever arm at it's base. this lever arm pulls on a cable that actuates the latch release. however, the point where the cable attaches to the latch release consists of a cast metal elbow that acts as a hook to pull the latch. this hook is held in place by a delicate plastic clip. if the plastic hook breaks then the cable will come loose and will not actuate the latch. at that point turning the key or pulling the safety release (which just pulls the keystalk lever from it's other end) will have no effect to release the latch.
in that event, i expect that the way in would be to release the latch mechanism assembly from the engine cover lid. there are four nuts, two in the engine compartment and two in the trunk compartment, that need to be removed in order to do this. I'm not sure how accessible these nuts are without the engine cover lid open, though.. something might have to be broken to get to them.
My trunk lid is stuck closed also. The key only spins about 1/4 of the way like normal, but the trunk won't unlock even if I put some pressure on it. Can someone share the method of opening the trunk without the key please?
Bump from the dead. Having this issue on my new to me 2007 Elise. Can someone PM me the fix? Key turns 45 degrees in either direction but doesn’t engage anything, and the yellow pull handle is already MIA!
There is no secret other than patience and luck. Most posts in various threads point to pushing down while turning key, pulling up while turning key, Sticking plastic spatula under lid and working something in to trip the latch and last removing hinge bolts with series of long extensions put together. You can look at all the threads by googling here's one to start. Locked my keys in trunk!!
Thanks for the follow up. I assumed there was some secret behind it since most of the threads have the details deleted or say to “PM for details”. I’ve tried most of the items noted in the thread but looks like I’ll be trying to remove the hing bolts.
You tried with two people pushing down 5" in front of lock while turning as well as pulling up same area? If no success try using non marring tool to lift top top enough to reach in and pull on the emergency release t handle.
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