Trunk Won't Stay Open

[RubyRod]

So I opened my trunk over the weekend and after it reached the full open point it SLOWLY started to close without pressing the close button or the button on the remote. It was a very slow and gentle drop until it got a few inches from full closed and the it dropped rapidly and closed and latched. This is the only time it's happened so far. But it does indicate that something in the Trunk mechanism needs repaired.

Is this likely due to the gas strut? The service manual shows only one small gas strut for the Trunk in/near the cavity for the Top Hydraulic Motor.

There are a few sources for new struts for this part and they're not very expensive but I'd prefer not to order one until I'm sure it will solve the problem.

Thanks

 

[justdennis]

There is a gas strut on both sides, it sounds like it's time to replace them. I purchased mine from Rock auto, I don't remember what I paid but it wasn't too much. I believe it's a two man job so let me know when you get them, I can help.

 

[RubyRod]

Thanks Dennis. Now that I know that there are 2 I have to find out where the 2nd one is. My service manual only shows the one on the Driver's side. Once I find where they are I'll shop for replacements. If I need help I'll let ya know. Thanks for the offer.

 

[mickeytee]

The left one goes down right into the cubby with the top pump.you need ablong thin blade screwdriver. Just slip in into the clip and pry it off. Its very eas y. Dont worry about the clip coming off. once you remove it they pop back on. The bottom on the left nneds a little pressure to get it on. There is avtiny torx screw you can see on the outside of the hinge on each side. Remove it so you can open the trunk 1/2 inch further . you will need help or a 2x4 cut to hold the trunk fully open. Dont forget to replace the screw when done

 

[RubyRod]

The left one goes down right into the cubby with the top pump.you need ablong thin blade screwdriver. Just slip in into the clip and pry it off. Its very eas y. Dont worry about the clip coming off. once you remove it they pop back on. The bottom on the left nneds a little pressure to get it on. There is avtiny torx screw you can see on the outside of the hinge on each side. Remove it so you can open the trunk 1/2 inch further . you will need help or a 2x4 cut to hold the trunk fully open. Dont forget to replace the screw when done

That's what the service manual shows. When I get that far I'll see what kind of trouble I'm really in. At this point the issue is how to access the passenger side strut. The driver's side is visible when you open the access panel to the Top Motor. I have no idea what to remove to access the passenger side. I assume it's behind the carpet/trim panel behind the tail light assembly.

 

[Kennrom]

So I opened my trunk over the weekend and after it reached the full open point it SLOWLY started to close without pressing the close button or the button on the remote. It was a very slow and gentle drop until it got a few inches from full closed and the it dropped rapidly and closed and latched. This is the only time it's happened so far. But it does indicate that something in the Trunk mechanism needs repaired.

Is this likely due to the gas strut? The service manual shows only one small gas strut for the Trunk in/near the cavity for the Top Hydraulic Motor.

There are a few sources for new struts for this part and they're not very expensive but I'd prefer not to order one until I'm sure it will solve the problem.

Thanks

Mine was definitely the gas struts, one on each side. Easy to fix and not expensive. They ware out due to the weight of the trunk lid with the extra section to cover the gap when the top is down. Very heavy.

Don’t forget to remove the upper limit screws on the hinge bracket to give you the extra clearance needed to install the now ones. Then replace after installing and all should be good again