Odd trunk llid opening problem...

[Mike Self]

Replaced the trunk lid gasket when I painted the car about five years ago, and ever since the trunk has been difficult to open. I have to press on the latch button with both hands to push it in and thus release the latch, but it's not particularly difficult to close--doesn't take an almighty slam to make it latch.

I've adjusted the catch plate on the trunk lid itself as far "down" as I can, even placed shims under it to give the rubber gasket as much space as possible. And the lock assy is fine--well lubricated and works just fine if I push the latch button in with the trunk lid up. And if I manually "close" the latch with the trunk lid open (to mimic the latch position when the trunk lid is closed) normal pressure on the push button will release the latch.

Am I adjusting the catch in the wrong direction? I figured after five years the gasket rubber would relax enough to cure the problem if the problem was a new gasket, but not so far...

Suggestions?

cheers

Mike

[Victor_PR]

until I attached the 2 rubber stoppers located on the inner side (left and right) of the trunk. I only had one before I recently bought 2 new ones.

Have you replaced yours recently Mike?

Good luck

[oh2fly]

Hi Mike, did you try moving the upper catch left or right? They don't just move up and down. Could be pinching when latched.

[Mike Self]

wrapping tape around the catch to see where the latch hit it, but I didn't check the rubber buttons on the corners. If I remember correctly, they actually screw in and out to provide height adjustment...It's worth a try. It's gotta be something, as there was no sheet metal work done in the trunk area during the repaint, and the gasket shoulda relaxed after five years...

Thanks

Mike

[oh2fly]

Mike, you are thinking about the front height adjusters. They are the ones that

adjust. The rears don't adjust, they just plug in. Did you replace the upper piece? If so, that might be the problem. New ones don't work worth a darn. I hate them. Inferior pieces. I may start a thread about all the poor fitting replacement parts. Very frustrating, especially considering how expensive they are now.

[BarryA]

hard enough with age that they no longer deflect enough to allow the trunk lid to latch reasonably easily?

[DukeRimmer]

Make sure your assistant can open it before climbing in.