trunk lid
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,704
Likes: 239
From: Redondo Beach CA
Clean and lubricate the seals, along with the hinges. If that fails, a set of new lift support might be in your future.
It is a common problem, with some adding an additional spring near the latch, you can even buy a commercial kit along those lines, if do it yourself isn't your speed.
I don't favor that approach, which implies a design fault in the trunk lift design, which I reject, since the trunks all work satisfactorily when new. But if any solution works, fine with me.
I recently decided to replace all my old lifts, without testing , only because of age. Probably left some usage on the table, but they are old. At least this way I will know my lifts are renewed, and shouldn't trouble me anytime soon, after such a simple repair.
I went with the stabilus brand for no particular reason other than I thought they were the OEM manufacturers . I purchased them from Lift supports depot, , couldn't find a supporting vender in a quick search, but the parts are easy to find.
I try to avoid sellers who do not physically see the merchandise, I probably shouldn't worry about counterfeit parts, but try to avoid problems.
It is a common problem, with some adding an additional spring near the latch, you can even buy a commercial kit along those lines, if do it yourself isn't your speed.
I don't favor that approach, which implies a design fault in the trunk lift design, which I reject, since the trunks all work satisfactorily when new. But if any solution works, fine with me.
I recently decided to replace all my old lifts, without testing , only because of age. Probably left some usage on the table, but they are old. At least this way I will know my lifts are renewed, and shouldn't trouble me anytime soon, after such a simple repair.
I went with the stabilus brand for no particular reason other than I thought they were the OEM manufacturers . I purchased them from Lift supports depot, , couldn't find a supporting vender in a quick search, but the parts are easy to find.
I try to avoid sellers who do not physically see the merchandise, I probably shouldn't worry about counterfeit parts, but try to avoid problems.
Last edited by strand rider; Nov 23, 2020 at 02:28 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 275
From: Wichita Falls Texas
I just put new struts on my 03 vert trunk lid and now it pops up like it's supposed to and stays open when you raise it up.
You can buy them online for around 20 bucks and they just pop off and on.
Good luck!
You can buy them online for around 20 bucks and they just pop off and on.
Good luck!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 776
From: Göteborg, Sweden, Europe
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
It does not last
I replaced mine 18 months ago....and after 10-12 months they do not pop the trunk up to grab anymore... They hold well and support opening, just not the pop. I bought from appropriate brand... I have convertible.
my 2 cents.
TCFS
my 2 cents.
TCFS
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,859
Likes: 4,658
I hope this helps you......
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 776
From: Göteborg, Sweden, Europe
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
You don’t need to put yourself in the trunk. 🙄😬 You’ll find post where it is explained step by step.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,561
Likes: 3,302
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
I installed the spring a few years ago. It worked for about a month. My current struts hold the deck lid up just fine, but it doesn't pop up much when opened. This thread has inspired me to try replacing them to see if this helps. I hadn't realized it was so cheap and easy.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 776
From: Göteborg, Sweden, Europe
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 275
From: Wichita Falls Texas
I've got 2 sets on my Christmas list, also Stabilus brand. Hope I'm not making a mistake. To the OP: I also have a Vert, a 2000. I saw one trick online, that may help you. Open trunk before exiting the car, and when you shut the door, air pressure will lift the trunk lid even more. Obviously, this only works with the windows and top up. I also have a problem with my "waterfall" cover. In the last year it won't stay up on its own, making putting the top up or down more difficult. If you haven't experienced this yet, you soon will. I'm going to replace all 4 struts. The waterfall struts are more difficult of the two. Looks like I'm going to have to drag my overweight old butt up inside the trunk to do it!!! I hope this helps you......
I hope this helps you......I used a mirror and flashlight to look up under the edge and a really big screwdriver.
Just put the screwdriver near the tail light side of the strut and pop that end off the ball. Just pry it and it will pop off.
Then you can pull the strut toward the center of the trunk and pop it off the other end. I did it on both sides Had both struts laying in the trunk.
I then popped the new strut on the ball by the tail light on both sides with the waterfall end of the strut end laying up on the hump.
Close the trunk and open the top hatch. I used a flashlight to see and I was able to hold the lid up with my shoulder.
I popped the new strut on the ball. Once you do that the top will stay up on it's own.
Go to the other side and pop it on and you are done!!!
Easy peasy! I'm old and fat too!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,680
Likes: 1,039
I've got 2 sets on my Christmas list, also Stabilus brand. Hope I'm not making a mistake. To the OP: I also have a Vert, a 2000. I saw one trick online, that may help you. Open trunk before exiting the car, and when you shut the door, air pressure will lift the trunk lid even more. Obviously, this only works with the windows and top up. I also have a problem with my "waterfall" cover. In the last year it won't stay up on its own, making putting the top up or down more difficult. If you haven't experienced this yet, you soon will. I'm going to replace all 4 struts. The waterfall struts are more difficult of the two. Looks like I'm going to have to drag my overweight old butt up inside the trunk to do it! I hope this helps you......
I hope this helps you......No contortions for me!.. My body won't allow it.. Can a dealers wrench replace these without a problem or absorbent amount of money?... Do they hate this task?. I've got sticks for propping, but that's really not cool.....Hey!... Sticks work .
Safety Car
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,680
Likes: 1,039
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 275
From: Wichita Falls Texas
I did, however, take a pain pill before I started it. It wasn't needed though. I was just preparing for it to be difficult.
My wife could do it. My dog might be able to do it.
Good luck!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,680
Likes: 1,039
You gotta good wife.. I don't gotta wife.. Guess I'm screwed.... So to speak.
Happy Thanksgiving all!!!