Convertible Issue
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1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2025
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Convertible Issue
I have a 2003 50th anniversary edition. The top storage compartment lid latch cord has come disconnected from the latch and will not open. How do I get access to the latch and how to open manually.
Last edited by CarLover2; Sep 14, 2025 at 06:57 AM. Reason: cancel
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 1,213
convertible’s top storage compartment lid (the “hatch” behind the seats where the soft top folds into) won’t open because the pull cord is detached from the latch. That’s a common C5 issue. You’ll need to manually access and trip the latch from inside the car. Here’s a safe way to do it.
Tools You’ll Need:
1.Move Seats Forward
Slide both seats forward as much as possible to give yourself space to work behind them.
2.Remove the Carpeted Trim Behind the Seats
Once open:
Tools You’ll Need:
- Plastic trim removal tool (or a flathead screwdriver wrapped in tape)
- Flashlight
- A long flat screwdriver, coat hanger, or pick tool
1.Move Seats Forward
Slide both seats forward as much as possible to give yourself space to work behind them.
2.Remove the Carpeted Trim Behind the Seats
- There’s a carpeted panel right behind the seats (just below the storage lid).
- Use your trim tool or carefully pull back the carpet to expose the black plastic trim panel underneath.
- You’ll see a few plastic push pins; pop those out.
- Remove or loosen this trim so you can see the latch area underneath.
- The latch is located centered on the rear bulkhead (behind the seats, under the storage lid).
- You should see a metal latch mechanism and a disconnected cable.
- Use a flashlight to see the lever arm on the latch where the cable normally attaches.
- Push or pull this lever with your flat screwdriver or a hooked tool.
- The lid will pop open once you move it in the correct direction. (Typically push toward passenger side or pull down depending on your angle.)
Once open:
- Check the small white or black plastic retainer clip that holds the cable in place; these often break.
- Replace the retainer clip if it’s broken (you can use a small zip tie as a temporary fix).
- Lube the latch with silicone spray or white lithium grease to prevent future sticking.
