DIY Trunk release lever instalation - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

kickfli12 · 09-25-2011, 10:26 AM

first off, you are going to need a 14mm ratchet with a small extension, 10mm socket to go with the ratchet you are already using but i find it easier to have a 1/4" ratchet and socket, and a flat head screwdriver if youre not comfortable using man power to pull interior trim pieces.

here is the part that needs replacing

for some reason many of us have the trunk release lever broken off right at the base making it useless and a pain because we have to use our keys to get into the trunk. hopefully this will help you do the install with confidence.

start out by removing the drivers front left side lower kick panel. is held down by a little black screw type thing next to the foot rest. unscrew that and gently pull it away. guess what? you found out that it was connected to that little trim piece in your door jam thats pretty much there for looks. to get that part off pull up the very far right end and after that pops off slide the whole thing towards the rear of the car.

now with your flathead, pry off the four black bolt cover that cover the bolts that hold your seat down.

now with your 14mm ratchet and extension unbolt the seat and tilt it out of the way.

the next part can be done after the first step if you would like but its whatever. take off the trim piece that covers your seat belt. use your flat head to pry it off and be sure to start from the backseat.

now pull up the carpet. its not going to lift much, just enough to do what you need to do.

now get out your 10mm, the lever is held in by one 10mm bolt.

now that you have it unbolted, pull the cables and do a little fighting and pull the lever out. it has to come out of the back so dont waste your time trying to get it out of the front.

take a look at the cables, dont mix these up or you will pop the trunk next time you get gas. the pink is your gas ant the white is your trunk. use your problem solving skills to take these off and put them on the new lever.

now all you do is put everything you took apart back on in the reverse order and youre all set. it should look like this when its all done.

congrats! now you dont have to fiddle with your keys every time you need something from the trunk.

TheNightWolf · 09-25-2011, 10:36 AM

Whats the wire that goes to the seat do?
I saw it on mine and was like

Is it a weight sensor thing, or what?

kickfli12 · 09-25-2011, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheNightWolf

Whats the wire that goes to the seat do?
I saw it on mine and was like

Is it a weight sensor thing, or what?

its part of the SRS. your seat belt buckle retracts in an accident to tighten your belt to hold you tighter in your seat. that wire goes to the buckle.

TheNightWolf · 09-25-2011, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kickfli12

its part of the SRS. your seat belt buckle retracts in an accident to tighten your belt to hold you tighter in your seat. that wire goes to the buckle.

Ahh, ok.

In my Cougar I had dozens of wires for power seats and stuff, never had a non power seat with a wire in it lol

Nice DIY though, might help a few people out

gold94corolla · 09-25-2011, 02:17 PM

The wire goes from the seatbelt to the seatbelt light to tell you your seatbelt isn't on lol.

trife96 · 09-25-2011, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kickfli12

its part of the SRS. your seat belt buckle retracts in an accident to tighten your belt to hold you tighter in your seat. that wire goes to the buckle.

your seatbelt is possesed? Mine jus tells me that my seatbelt isn't on

TheNightWolf · 09-25-2011, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trife96

your seatbelt is possesed? Mine jus tells me that my seatbelt isn't on

Does it go to the actual clip, or what?

kickfli12 · 09-25-2011, 09:46 PM

chris is right. i looked again and our cars arent equipped with that option. my bad. its just for the light.

gold94corolla · 09-25-2011, 10:25 PM

yeah, I didn't think it was that sophisticated lol.

sparkee · 12-15-2011, 01:59 PM

Where did you get the new handle assembly? Were you able to find it aftermarket or did you have to go back to the dealer? About how much did it cost?

Thanks and have a good one!

kickfli12 · 12-16-2011, 06:54 PM

I actually got it at the junkyard for $5. You can get it at the dealer but I seriously recommend going to the junkyard and pulling one yourself. You will save A LOT of money that way. If for some reason you can't find one, let me know cause I know of like 20 right off the bat. Oh, and be sure to get the right one cause there are 2 different styles. Good luck

XCOPPER · 01-04-2012, 11:59 AM

Hi.
Just joined the Forum and Lo and Behold I have the same problem with the trunk lever (broken).
Can't find a junkyard around here in Florida.

Would it be possible for you to find a used replacement in your area for me.
The Dealer wants way too much $$$$$$$$$$ for a new one.

If you cannot, that's ok.

Would like to replace the unit for my wife.

Car is a 1997 Toyota Corolla.

Great Post by the way.

Still exploring the Forum and finding oodles and oodles of help here.

Thanks in advance.

Dick Ring

kickfli12 · 01-04-2012, 02:55 PM

Just let me know what type of lever you have. There is the one in the pics shown above and one that has a housing around it. I'll get one to you asap. Pm me your shipping address and we will go from there.