SolaraGuy.com

Hi All,
I have a '02 Solara SLE with an electronic trunk release. Recently it stopped working and now only works with a key. Whenever I use a care remote or push a button in the glove compartment, I can hear a click, but the trunk does not open. I took the liner off the trunk and got to the motor. What i see is that whenever I push a trunk release button, the motor turns half way and then goes back into its original position. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions or has run into an issue such as this. My guess is that it's either the trunk motor or the trunk actuator somewhere under the dashboard. Thoughts?
I didn't have a chance yet to hook up a motor to a 12v line directly, to rule out that possibility. I'm afraid that if it is a step motor, then there's a chance of burning it when connected to DC and not controlled by anything.

Sounds like you probably have a motor that is starting to go bad. I would start by taking the latch apart and cleaning everything well. Make sure all the parts are moving properly and then lube it all back up again. sometimes the latch can get gummed up with dirt and that makes it hard for the motor to turn it. Most likely though, the motor is just worn out and it's not able to open the latch anymore. Hope this helps, good luck.