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C5 Convertible: Trunk Release Parts

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Old Aug 24, 2024 | 12:45 PM
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Default C5 Convertible: Trunk Release Parts

I am looking for a trunk release solenoid for my 1998 convertible. The trunk does not open consistently when using the trunk release button. I was told that the solenoid is bad. When I look online I see parts for the coupes (2 solenoids - right and left). Please correct me if I am wrong, but I believe the convertible only has 1 solenoid. I also broke the release cable. Any help is appreciated.
Anyone have any good connections for C5 parts?
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Old Aug 24, 2024 | 03:31 PM
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Does the trunk open with the key fob? Also, suggest fixing the cable first for the back up system.
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Old Aug 24, 2024 | 04:54 PM
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Originally Posted by rrwirsi
Does the trunk open with the key fob? Also, suggest fixing the cable first for the back up system.
same problem with the key fob. I’ll fix the cable, but looking for the part to make life easy
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Old Aug 24, 2024 | 05:40 PM
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I would first remove the latch assembly then solvent clean it to remove the old, dirty dried up 20+ year old grease and lube it with some new grease. Also make a long release cable so you can reach it without crawling into the trunk, convertibles only have one latch assembly.

Last edited by Fast one; Aug 25, 2024 at 02:31 AM.
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Old Aug 26, 2024 | 07:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Fast one
I would first remove the latch assembly then solvent clean it to remove the old, dirty dried up 20+ year old grease and lube it with some new grease. Also make a long release cable so you can reach it without crawling into the trunk, convertibles only have one latch assembly.
thanks. I’ll give that a try this weekend.
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Old Aug 27, 2024 | 11:10 PM
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Moved to C5 Tech.
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Old Aug 28, 2024 | 10:32 AM
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You can also buy a new switch. Reasonably priced. After I bought the new switch, I still had occasional problems. I have a theory as to why; how often do I raise and lower the top? Not often. Most of these cars are stored for at least 4 months every year. That is hard on many things, especially electronic stuff. When I do have this problem, I've found that once the tonneau cover is up, I cycle the the button/solenoid 20-30 times, and problem goes away for months at a time. Also, if you or the PO have both raised and lowered the tonneau many hundreds of times thru the years, you could also have a broken wire, usually at the point where the harness bends the most. This could also be the reason the cable has basically worn out. Probably the only way anyone could raise the tonneau. Best of luck to you, and I hope this helps.
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Old Aug 28, 2024 | 04:03 PM
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Never mind. My mistake, DUH!! I was thinking tonneau cover.....
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Old Aug 29, 2024 | 11:13 AM
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The latch also needs to be aligned with the hook so it doesn't bind (the two large bolt holes on the latch allow this adjustment), this is true for both the trunk lid and tonneau cover latches.
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Old Sep 1, 2024 | 10:46 AM
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Default Thanks everyone

Thanks everyone. I ended up purchasing a latch assembly on eBay. That fixed part of the problem. Problem #2 is the trunk support arms need to be replaced. Those hopefully arrive this week
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