Solara Gen 1: Trunk release easy to get to (trunk side)?

[macster]

This is my first post. I signed up quite a bit ago, and enjoy the occasional lurk. I'm not one to mod my Solara (lack of funds, and I'm generally happy the way it is ) It's a '99 Red SLE with dark interior.

It seems that every time I've taken my Solara in to get something done, they disconnect the trunk release. I was wondering if there was something I could do about it, to avoid horrendous labor charges for taking it to the dealer. I'd appreciate it much.

[krawzyazn]

thats cuz its easy to get to the trunk
smash and pull thats all

[macster]

I have no idea what's going on...

[Mole]

This is my first post. I signed up quite a bit ago, and enjoy the occasional lurk. I'm not one to mod my Solara (lack of funds, and I'm generally happy the way it is ) It's a '99 Red SLE with dark interior.

It seems that every time I've taken my Solara in to get something done, they disconnect the trunk release. I was wondering if there was something I could do about it, to avoid horrendous labor charges for taking it to the dealer. I'd appreciate it much.

perhaps you can be more specific. who do you take the car to? what do they do? does it involve them unhooking the trunk release?

[macster]

The car's only been to the dealer for maintenance. It's been rear-ended once (not too much damage) a couple years ago. Other than that, just regular maintenance. It's just twice, we've gotten it back with an unoperational trunk release.

I just recently inherited the car, so I figured I'd do something about it. My parent's schedule didn't allow them to run to the dealer on a whim, nor did it allow them to be without the car for very long...

[sunrise_solara]

Where is it coming loose at? Perhaps it is a result of the rear collision, and either it easily comes out (during normal driving) or whoever fixed it did it ghetto and the dealership thinks it is interfering with the normal operation of the trunk...Do you think you can fix it or could you post pics of where it comes loose, so someone could figure it out?

[SC V6]

make sure the trunk isn't locked by key.. that would cause the release in the car to not work

[macster]

make sure the trunk isn't locked by key.. that would cause the release in the car to not work

I've made sure that the trunk isn't locked.

Where is it coming loose at? Perhaps it is a result of the rear collision, and either it easily comes out (during normal driving) or whoever fixed it did it ghetto and the dealership thinks it is interfering with the normal operation of the trunk...Do you think you can fix it or could you post pics of where it comes loose, so someone could figure it out?

That's the thing, I'm asking what tools I'd need to get to the trunk lock, and perhaps the release switch itself next to the door. I could post a picture of me pulling the handle and the trunk not opening, but i don't know how much good that'd do.

[sunrise_solara]

Oh! Well then, pop the sealplate (black cover) with a screwdriver and peel back the carpet. If nothing appears wrong, go to the trunk and examine where the cable comes into the lock mechanism. If not there, then it must be in the cable between the two. Is that what you wanted to know? Sorry for the confusion and I hope that works.

[macster]

Oh! Well then, pop the sealplate (black cover) with a screwdriver and peel back the carpet. If nothing appears wrong, go to the trunk and examine where the cable comes into the lock mechanism. If not there, then it must be in the cable between the two. Is that what you wanted to know? Sorry for the confusion and I hope that works.

Yes, thank you that's more in line with what I wanted to know. Another question arises: how do I pop those little screw things securing the "carpet" on the inside of the trunk lid?

[krook]

here's a thought. tell the tech, or rather, ASK the tech:

"any special reason you keep unlatching my trunk release?"

then, before he can answer, cut him off and say, "stop doin' it, chief. thanks" and toss him the keys Soprano-style

[macster]

Well, I learned for myself that the little black plastic screw things just pull out. I also found the reason that it doesn't work - the cable has too much slack in it. I'm going to have to find a way to remove the slack (some sort of clamp on the cable?)...What do y'all think would be the best way to do that? (it's like the brake cables on a bicycle) If I unbolt the lock on the trunk, I can get to the trunk release wire enough that i can put something on it to relieve some of the slack.

[sunrise_solara]

O.K. Here's an idea. On the sheath of the trunk release cable, is there a groove cut (close to the end)? If so, there is a special clip that mates to that groove that keeps the cable from moving. See if that clip is there (attached to the body) and just snap it back in place, and maybe superglue it for good measure. I know other Toyotas work this way, but not sure if this one does...just a thought. Zip ties will limit the movement but not stop it, so you will still have the problem. Hope this helps!

[macster]

The cut was in the groove...

I finally got the little bastard fixed! Turns out, the cable had gotten loose from the switch, so I had to make a little incision into the carpet (can't see the cut now, thankfully) in order to unbolt the trunk/gascap release assembly so that I could get the end of the wire back into its slot. I spent over an hour and a half sitting next to the car trying to just wrap the wire around and get the little ball in its slot, but I'm excited to have a trunk release again!

[sunrise_solara]

Good job! Glad to hear you fixed it.