Hello everyone, I'm looking at possibly purchasing a '94 convertible, very nice but the trunk key will not open the lid. It just keeps turning with no result. It seems as though the actuator rod has disconnected from the back of the lock assembly (probably broken off). So does anyone know how to get into the trunk some other way aside from causing serious body damage to the trunk lid or drilling out the lock assembly which probably won't get one where they need to be anyway?

 

Jagman99R,

You probably already know this but the key does not open the bootlid. It merely moves the lock position to lock or unlock, then the handle underneath physically opens the latch.

The barrel engagement is prone to playing up on these late locks. Irrespective of how far the key wants to turn, place the key in the vertical position, then turn the key one fifth of a turn clockwise or anticlockwise from that position. That's all it takes to look or unlock the boot.

I've also found that when they wear, it's sometimes possible to turn the key a bit and then gently pull the key and barrel completely out together. You can then use a screwdriver or similar to unlock the mechanism.

Good luck

Paul

 

Thanks so much for the prompt reply. I was imagining that the shaft at the back of the barrel had broken off at the tip and disconnected from the lever that actuates the unlocking rod making it impossible to unlock. I have the ROM's for the earlier Lucas and Marelli cars but not the Facelift versions so I haven't been able to find any body breakdowns of that area of the car. If I end up buying the car I will certainly give it a shot. At least there is hope.
Thanks again for your help.