03 LE Trunk Lock Repair/Release!

[Bosley]

So the lock cylinder on the trunk of my 03 LE has decided to seize after I locked it a while ago.

It seems that the cylinder has seized after I turned it 90 degrees to the left to lock the trunk. I cannot turn it back to unlock the trunk using the master key. No amount of jiggling or WD-40 has helped, that would be way too easy!

It also seems the the seat release for the folding seats is in the darn trunk!!! (which would be mildly funny if it wasn't me) ....

So my options are pulling out the rear seats or drilling out the lock. Any other suggestions or help with a procedure would be greatly appreciated. I'd rather not take it to a mechanic to save $$$$ if I could......

[toyota_b]

I know it might cost a bit of money but pop a lock (or any lock popping company) might be able to help you with your problem. I would call them up first and explain what you did to the lock then ask if there is anyway to salvage it, and call around a bit as well for advice and pricing before accepting the first answer you get.

[Bosley]

Well, with a little brute force & ignorance I managed to solve the problem!

While I'm not all that small I'm just too stupid to give up,.... :wink: I downloaded a Corolla service manual to see how the seats were attached.

I found by following the rear seat belt down there was a small bolt that held the corners of each seat in place. By removing that bolt and prying the seat forwards I was able to create a small gap bewteen the seat and plastic side panel and cram my hand and forearm into the trunk.

With that accomplished I tried to feel around for the aircraft cable that releases the safety latch on the seat (hoping it wasn't the speaker wire at the same time,.... ...) Giving that a sharp tug the seat-lock released and I was able to then empty my trunk, pop the lid from the inside, and replace the friggin' lock cylinder that caused me all this grief in the first place!!!