Trunk Won't Open Using Remote or Button
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 118
Likes: 3
From: Delaware Ohio
Trunk Won't Open Using Remote or Button
The trunk opens 1 out of 100 times using the remote, button near License plate or trunk release button in cockpit on my 2008 convertible. Any ideas?
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 274
Likes: 2
From: New Boston, TX
Since yours is a 2008, this may not be the same issue, but try to determine if the hatch is just sticking or if the latch in not releasing.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 118
Likes: 3
From: Delaware Ohio
I had an issue like this when i first bought mine. The latch would release, but it wouldn't open, because the deck lid was sticking to the weatherstrip. I used warm water and wiped the weatherstrip clean several times, now it doesn't have the problem.
Since yours is a 2008, this may not be the same issue, but try to determine if the hatch is just sticking or if the latch in not releasing.
Good luck.
Since yours is a 2008, this may not be the same issue, but try to determine if the hatch is just sticking or if the latch in not releasing.
Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2002
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Tech Contributor
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 118
Likes: 3
From: Delaware Ohio
Don't think this is the problem (but will give it a shot) since it works once every now and then.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 118
Likes: 3
From: Delaware Ohio
Here's another thing that's very strange. If I wait for an hour or so it'll work (be able to open trunk with remote or button) but when I close the trunk and try it again, it won't open. 
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,924
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From: Daytona Beach FL
The picture above is what you'll see when you pull up the carpet and a board that covers the area.
You'll see some of the fuses, but 2 other blocks have covers on them - one below that main fuse panel, and the other to the right.
If you remove those covers, this is what you'll see:
The item circled at the top right is a fuse for the trunk release.
The item circled at the bottom is the "Trunk Release Actuator Relay" for the manual latch in a convertible or early Z06.
If the latch release works every once in a while, the fuse at the top right must be okay - unless it or its circuit (most likely a ground connection) are somehow only making intermittent contact.
The other problem might be with that "Trunk Release Actuator Relay".
Right next to that relay is an identical one that is the "Fuel Door Release Relay".
I would try swapping those 2 relays to see if that corrects the trunk problem - although it might cause fuel door problems!!
Good luck!!
Bob
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 8,514
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From: Currently somewhere in IL,IN,KY,TN,MO,AR,MS,AL, or FL
If that doesn't make a change then I would be looking at a sticky latch solenoid or loose connection at the solenoid. Somewhere here there is a DIY on how to get to that area. It was to check that the cable from the key was attached.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,490
Likes: 253
From: Homewood Il
That same thing happened on my 08 convertible last week. I opened the trunk using the key and now it is operating properly.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 118
Likes: 3
From: Delaware Ohio
Here's something else that's strange. I swaped out the "Trunk Release Actuator Relay" with the fuel door one and no change - would not open. I replaced fuse and no change - would not open. I put down the convertible top and put it up again and now everything is working, the remote, button by license plate and release in the cockpit. What's up with this, maybe just coincidence, I'll keep playing with it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,516
Likes: 1,303
From: Windermere FL
There is i connection between the trunk release and the top so the trunk will not open if the top is not completely up or down. Prevents bodt damage should thing collide. At this is case if you have an electric top. I am not sure about manuals.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: cumming ga
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Delaware Ohio
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,191
Likes: 53
From: Tucson Arizona
If one of the sensors is sensing that the top storage lid is not completely closed the trunk will not release to avoid damage to the lid or trunk. Sounds like a sensor is either starting to fail or is misaligned or loose. If the trunk sensor senses the trunk is not shut the power top will not function. The two systems look two see if the other system is shut first before allowing the other too work.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
If one of the sensors is sensing that the top storage lid is not completely closed the trunk will not release to avoid damage to the lid or trunk. Sounds like a sensor is either starting to fail or is misaligned or loose. If the trunk sensor senses the trunk is not shut the power top will not function. The two systems look two see if the other system is shut first before allowing the other too work.
Questionable limit switch or connection to it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,615
Likes: 694
If one of the sensors is sensing that the top storage lid is not completely closed the trunk will not release to avoid damage to the lid or trunk. Sounds like a sensor is either starting to fail or is misaligned or loose. If the trunk sensor senses the trunk is not shut the power top will not function. The two systems look two see if the other system is shut first before allowing the other too work.
but seriously, way too many programs and unnecessary sensors in all cars these days causing unnecessary problems.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,191
Likes: 53
From: Tucson Arizona
It was the same way even with the C5 converts that only were available as a manual top.
When the trunk on converts came back for the first time on the C5's, which I personally was very happy to see happen again, the proximity of the top storage lid to the trunk lid would cause body damage if both were opened at the same time. They would not allow you to hit the release button for either one unless the other one was shut tight.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 118
Likes: 3
From: Delaware Ohio
Man I about ready to shoot myself if I had a gun. Now the only thing thats not working is the button at the rear next to the license plate. If it won't work, I use the remote to open the trunk then I close the trunk and then the button at the rear works. I convinced a sensor is going bad. I guess I'll take to a stealer.