Help! Trunk Lid

[Richiez]

When I open the trunk lid, it doesnt stay up, slowley comes down?

 

[mtrocket]

First thing I would do is replace the gas struts on either side of the trunk lid. My guess is that they are worn out.
Once the trunk lid is up all the way, the pump shuts off and these struts are supposed to keep the lid up. The pump is only used to lift the lid, not to keep it up. Once the struts wear out, the trunk lid won't stay up any longer.
They are probably available at O'Reilly's Auto Parts at quite a bit less $ than the dealer.

 

[Richiez]

Thanks Rod.

Are they difficult to replace?
Like take two people?

First thing I would do is replace the gas struts on either side of the trunk lid. My guess is that they are worn out.
Once the trunk lid is up all the way, the pump shuts off and these struts are supposed to keep the lid up. The pump is only used to lift the lid, not to keep it up. Once the struts wear out, the trunk lid won't stay up any longer.
They are probably available at O'Reilly's Auto Parts at quite a bit less $ than the dealer.

 

[ccclarke]

The rear deck lid doesn't use gas struts, the folding top uses (8) hydraulic cylinders with dedicated supply and return lines. The (bi-directional) hydraulic pump forces oil into either side of the cylinders depending on the position of the five solenoids in the hydraulic manifold under control of the Folding Top Control module.

One cylinder operates the windshield header latch, one cylinder operates the front tonneau, two cylinders operate the folding top, two cylinders operate the rear tonneau and two cylinders operate the rear deck lid.

Several things could be the source of your problem. You may have one (or more) leaking cylinder(s) in the rear deck lid. The number three and/or four valves in the manifold may be leaking internally. (They control the up/down position of the rear deck lid and are cross-connected.) Less likely would be a leaking hydraulic line; you'd probably see the oil all over the manifold or where the oil lines connect to the hydraulic cylinders. It's worth a look if you haven't eyeballed the well in the trunk where the manifold lives. While you're there, ensure the hydraulic fluid level in the reservoir is between the two min/max lines.

The most likely source is a faulty hydraulic cylinder in the rear deck lid, but any of the above could cause this problem. A bad cylinder would be the cheapest problem. The manifold is replaced as a complete assembly which includes the hydraulic pump and isn't cheap. Obviously, there's a loss of pressure in your hydraulic system somewhere. Start with a thorough visual inspection, then a stethoscope or something similar to listen for fluid leaking by in each cylinder.

The hood uses two gas struts and they're cheap (and easy) to replace.

Hope this helps,

CC

 

[05 GRAND DADDY]

I just replaced the hood struts I think they was 63$ from gmpartsdirect.com. There is a small tool that slides on to the Rod on the strut an has a turn knob to turn it tight against the rod it holds up the hood on the worn out struts from moving back down ! It's a neat little tool.

I bought it at a Fisher auto part store!


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Dan & Wendy
" 05 GRAND DADDY"

 

[mtrocket]

Thanks Rod.

Are they difficult to replace?
Like take two people?

Sorry for the misinformation... could have sworn I saw struts on my truck lid. Maybe that was after - well, never mind...

 

[MarkSki]

ccclarke: Question.. When my top is being lowered and the left side window lowers, there's a filler piece that pops into place. On the passenger's side of the car that small panel doesn't come up as high as it should and the little tab on it doesn't fit into the holder on the car, I have to lift it a little so it fits into place otherwise it pushes against the large rear deck filler.

Also that large piece, it has a rubber gasket that's on the trunk side. How should that fit? Should the gasket fit on top of the rear deck piece, the fiberglass piece or should the fiberglass be on top of that rubber gasket?

If you don't understand my question(s) I'll have to look up the correct part(s) names but I don't know where to look for those.

 

[ccclarke]

ccclarke: Question.. When my top is being lowered and the left side window lowers, there's a filler piece that pops into place. On the passenger's side of the car that small panel doesn't come up as high as it should and the little tab on it doesn't fit into the holder on the car, I have to lift it a little so it fits into place otherwise it pushes against the large rear deck filler.

Also that large piece, it has a rubber gasket that's on the trunk side. How should that fit? Should the gasket fit on top of the rear deck piece, the fiberglass piece or should the fiberglass be on top of that rubber gasket?

If you don't understand my question(s) I'll have to look up the correct part(s) names but I don't know where to look for those.

In this case, a picture (or two) might be worth a thousand words.

CC

 

[onalaska]

The rear deck lid doesn't use gas struts, the folding top uses (8) hydraulic cylinders with dedicated supply and return lines. The (bi-directional) hydraulic pump forces oil into either side of the cylinders depending on the position of the five solenoids in the hydraulic manifold under control of the Folding Top Control module.

One cylinder operates the windshield header latch, one cylinder operates the front tonneau, two cylinders operate the folding top, two cylinders operate the rear tonneau and two cylinders operate the rear deck lid.

Several things could be the source of your problem. You may have one (or more) leaking cylinder(s) in the rear deck lid. The number three and/or four valves in the manifold may be leaking internally. (They control the up/down position of the rear deck lid and are cross-connected.) Less likely would be a leaking hydraulic line; you'd probably see the oil all over the manifold or where the oil lines connect to the hydraulic cylinders. It's worth a look if you haven't eyeballed the well in the trunk where the manifold lives. While you're there, ensure the hydraulic fluid level in the reservoir is between the two min/max lines.

The most likely source is a faulty hydraulic cylinder in the rear deck lid, but any of the above could cause this problem. A bad cylinder would be the cheapest problem. The manifold is replaced as a complete assembly which includes the hydraulic pump and isn't cheap. Obviously, there's a loss of pressure in your hydraulic system somewhere. Start with a thorough visual inspection, then a stethoscope or something similar to listen for fluid leaking by in each cylinder.

The hood uses two gas struts and they're cheap (and easy) to replace.

Hope this helps,

CC

I had the trunk open today and looked at the mechanism. There are two silver hydraulic cylinders one on each side and next to them there are two black cylinders that look like gas charged struts to me. It looks like they work in conjunction with the hydraulic cylinders to assist in raising the trunk lid. I am sure if they get weak the hydraulic system will have to put more effort into raising the trunk, not sure about holding it open, but it seems like that they would assist in that function too.

 

[ccclarke]

Just to make sure, I opened my rear deck lid and took a look. I don't have any air assist cylinders on my rear deck lid. -- Just two aluminum hydraulic cylinders mounted on the top of each of the cantilever lift mechanisms, (which control the rear tonneau cover) and two mounted outboard at the bottom to lift the rear deck lid. I also verified there were no air assist cylinders on my parts list and in the repair manual.


Was this a factory modification for later years, perhaps?

CC

 

[onalaska]

Just to make sure, I opened my rear deck lid and took a look. I don't have any air assist cylinders on my rear deck lid. -- Just two aluminum hydraulic cylinders mounted on the top of each of the cantilever lift mechanisms, (which control the rear tonneau cover) and two mounted outboard at the bottom to lift the rear deck lid. I also verified there were no air assist cylinders on my parts list and in the repair manual.


Was this a factory modification for later years, perhaps?

CC

Interesting, must have been added in later production. They sit vertically just behind the silver cylinders and attach to the same upper bracket as the silver ones mounted outboard at the bottom of the scissor lift mechanism, not sure about the opposite end as it disappears under the trunk liner.

Found gas spring manufacturer Stabilus in Gastonia NC, but no part number.

 

[Crimson Pearl]

Found gas spring manufacturer Stabilus in Gastonia NC, but no part number.

I drive past that plant at least once a week. It is adjacent to I-85.

 

[mtrocket]

I thought my '07 has struts to help out the hydraulics. Like I posted earlier, check O'Reillys or Auto Zone. Just tell them year, make and model - if they have them may be best to check fit with your XLR there.

I'm guessing you're probably going go have to have some kin of support to hold the tunk lid up when replacing, maybe a stick or something.

 

[ccclarke]

Could someone post a picture of these gas struts please? Also chime in as to what years have them.

Thanks,

CC

 

[ald42]

trunk gas struts

Just to make sure, I opened my rear deck lid and took a look. I don't have any air assist cylinders on my rear deck lid. -- Just two aluminum hydraulic cylinders mounted on the top of each of the cantilever lift mechanisms, (which control the rear tonneau cover) and two mounted outboard at the bottom to lift the rear deck lid. I also verified there were no air assist cylinders on my parts list and in the repair manual.


Was this a factory modification for later years, perhaps?

CC

CC my 05 has gas struts beside the hyd cyl 4in forward of the hyd cyl. I think they hold the trunk open after the hyd cyl lifts the trunk as stated above,i can get part # if needed.

 

[ccclarke]

Good to know. I have an early build XLR (Dec 2003) and it's pistonless. . . In the trunk area.

 

[ald42]

Good to know. I have an early build XLR (Dec 2003) and it's pistonless. . . In the trunk area.

Mine is an early 05 [sept 04].which has the gas struts. now I'm wondering when the change came in and are the 05 and up w/struts. must be other diff. in the system w/struts or without?? we need more input from others. Thanks, Al

 

[05 GRAND DADDY]

How about some pics mine is an January 05 don't see no assist cylinders either??? Don't know?


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Dan & Wendy
"05 GRAND DADDY"

 

[onalaska]

Pictures

Here are some photos from my XLR built in April 2006.

 

[05 GRAND DADDY]

Here a handy little tool if you can find it. Try auto stores. It holds and locks the cylinder from moving


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Dan & Wendy
"05 GRAND DADDY"