'91 MR2 Rear Trunk Lid Jammed - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Phantomm · 03-08-2005, 09:10 PM

I have burned my eyes out looking for a similar thread to no avail. Somehow the trunk lid jammed while my sister-in-law had it to sell. The key slot was horizontal rather than vertical and the key wouldn't budge it. The inside manual release didn't work either. I did a last resort thing and drilled the lock out thinking that would release it - WRONG!!!! I have had the car up on stands trying to see if I could see where the cable goes into the trunk but couldn't see anything. The wife called a Toyota place and as usual they need me to bring it in so they can get a piece of the action. Can't drive with no plates/insurance. Does anybody have any tips on how to spring the trunk lid?????? Any kind of answer would be greatly appreciated. I am trying to get it ready to sell on EBAY.

MR-355-5sfTe · 03-08-2005, 09:33 PM

so you've already drilled out the lock.... well, since it's already screwed... have you jamed a screwdriver into the lock and tried to turn it?... but you said the key was already horizontal....so it should be unlocked. the only thing I could think that would cause this is someone jamming the trunk shut while it was trying to be unlocked. really odd. I wish I had a better idea for you. just give that tumbler hell with a screwdriver.

Phantomm · 03-08-2005, 09:45 PM

Thanks for the reply. I guess I don't really have many options. I sure wish I could remember how the latch mechanism was set up as it would give me a better idea on it.

MR-355-5sfTe · 03-08-2005, 10:02 PM

search this forum for a "service manual" and see if there are any diagrams that could help..... I'll take a look in my fsm real quick to see if I can find anything to send you.

MR-355-5sfTe · 03-08-2005, 10:07 PM

about all I have is this.....http://www.mr2-tech.com/bgb/mechanical/volume2/body.htm

if you have a day or so I can take some pictures (detailed) of the interior portions of the trunk locking mechanism for you.

andyb16 · 03-10-2005, 08:33 PM

Do you have the original key, or just the "chauffer key" that only unlocks the doors. My step-dad lost my regular key, so I can't lock my trunk anymore(at least it was unlocked when he lost it

). When it was locked with the regular key, the key slot was horizontal. That doesn't help getting it open, but it may explain why it was stuck.

mutsR2 · 03-16-2005, 08:16 PM

I went through the exact same problem. What I did was open the engine compartment, and then cut the 2 bolts that are part of the trunk hinge (I believe I used a jig saw with a blade for cutting metal). Then I lifted the trunk door from the hinge side, and then popped open the trunk from the inside by manually turning the lever that the trunk cable is (supposed to be) attached to. I then just got some regular nuts and bolts from Home Depot and replaced the bolt I cut in the hinge...

Phantomm · 03-17-2005, 10:25 PM

MUTSr2, I sent a request to MR355 fir pics to get a better idea of what I am dealing with but it sounds like I will have to do the same as you as I can't think of any other way. I always dread having to do anything drastic to my car as I have babied it ever since I bought it new.

***Tercel GTS*** · 03-17-2005, 11:17 PM

You should have called a locksmith before drilling. They normally charge $25-$40.

Phantomm · 03-21-2005, 10:06 PM

MR355, thanks for your link. Pictures would definitely be a plus! I guess I can get to the other side of the trunk bolts from the engine side. I can't think of any other alternative. I don't think a locksmith could have helped me in this situation. Hopefully the weather will be nice tomorrow and I can get out and see what I can do with those bolts.

onehotcamry · 03-21-2005, 11:30 PM

mine did the same thing the other night. I went out the next day and tried the key for a little, then i flipped it the other way and it worked fine......

Good luck w/ it

Phantomm · 04-10-2005, 05:32 PM

I don't know if anyone is still following this thread but I got up the gumption today to try getting in through the hinges. I was going to grind the hinge off but seeing as how I didn't have open space to get a grinder in I took a different tactic. I have a Dremel so put a grinding tool on it and proceeded to grind the head off the pin holding the two halves of the hinge together. I finally got the pins ground off and pulled them so I could lift the lid and pull the latch. I had to take the latch catch off with a wrench to get the lid off.The latch didn't work as the lever by the seat requires the lock mechanism to be in the up and down position.I repositioned the lock to that postition and put temporary pins in the hinges to try it out. It worked like a champ. I then made steel pins a little longer than the stock ones and put spring C-clips at each end so should this occur again it would be easier to fix the next time. My next step is to order the new lock and install. Things went a lot better than I expected. I can definetely say that a locksmith would not have been able to fix this situation and it would have cost for his services. I want things to be right but not overly expensive.

Lumberg · 05-17-2006, 09:30 PM

glad it worked out!

keck03 · 05-18-2006, 08:32 AM

this same thing happened to me. stupid locked flipped over. in my case that center piece was drilled out (black honeycomb). there was a hole to the left normally so just the plastic was drilled. and then a set of pliers moved the cable and it popped up.

this is just for anybody that comes across this in a search.

Lumberg · 05-18-2006, 07:02 PM

I had the trunk latch jam on me in my 00 Camry but was able to get in through the backseat and I think i used a screwdriver to get it.