Sticking Frunk - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

bmsamson · 07-19-2019, 06:45 PM

03 Base. Frunk won't open. Well, sometimes, but not consistently. I can hear it trying if I use the key fob or the latch inside the car, but it doesn't actually release. Used a soft tool (bicycle tire remover, works nicely without dinging anything) and got it to pop a bit, and since then have been driving around with it ajar. not great, but better than being locked out. Question is, when time allows (we're on a road trip so can't address it till we get home) what to try. Lubricate all inside the latching mechanism? Replace the hood piston so it goes up harder? replace the latch? the switch in the car? by the way, i know the alignment on my lid is off, could that be the problem?

by the way, once i had it open i removed the black plastic over/around the latch so i could see inside the mechanism, i could see the emergency cable but even with the Bentley have no idea where the other end emerges. can anyone help there?

particlewave · 07-19-2019, 06:58 PM

The other end of the cable is next to the passenger headlight (take the headlight out).

Yes. The alignment could be an issue.
Yes. Lubricate.

Starter986 · 07-20-2019, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by particlewave

The other end of the cable is next to the passenger headlight (take the headlight out).

Yes. The alignment could be an issue.
Yes. Lubricate.

I'm missing something here... again?

Can't access frunk.

1. Remove headlight... pull cable... open frunk.

2. To remove headlight to access cable... open frunk.

3. Can't open frunk. See #1.

WTF am I missing here?

Anker · 07-20-2019, 04:57 AM

1. Partially remove passenger side wheel liner, find cable, pull cable.

I had an issue with the frunk not unlatching when the car was warm. Replaced the latch, pretty easy DIY. Problem solved.

piper6909 · 07-20-2019, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starter986

I'm missing something here... again?

Can't access frunk.

1. Remove headlight... pull cable... open frunk.

2. To remove headlight to access cable... open frunk.

3. Can't open frunk. See #1.

WTF am I missing here?

Some people have aftermarket headlights that don't really lock in place. Those can be wiggled out without accessing the frunk.

I have those, but I used a tool to make sure they lock in place. (I was concerned that one day I'd brake hard or something and my headlights would fall off. It probably would never happen, but...)

So I re-routed my cable so I can pull it from underneath the car.

For those who have original lights and/or lights can't be wiggled out, you have to jack up the car, pull the front passenger tire, peel back the fender liner and reach up behind the headlight to find the emergency cable. Then pull HARD.

I strongly suggest re-routing the cable to a place where it's easier to access. Some people move it behind the tow hook access cover. I moved mine to underneath the car, because my frunk release hasn't worked since I owned the car and I have to use the cable frequently. I just have to reach underneath and pull. And by the way, it's a much easier pull because the new cable route doesn't wrap around corners like the original route.

particlewave · 07-20-2019, 06:54 AM

Disregard. I’m on my period.

tommy583 · 07-20-2019, 07:46 AM

HAHA HAHA

piper6909 · 07-20-2019, 08:04 AM

Deleted at the request of a forum member. It was not relevant to the thread, anyway.

particlewave · 07-20-2019, 08:15 AM

Anyone have some Midol?

piper6909 · 07-20-2019, 09:00 AM

Deleted at the request of a forum member. It was not relevant to the thread, anyway.

Starter986 · 07-21-2019, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by particlewave

Anyone have some Midol?

It's just a life change, and should last only a year. You may suffer instances of dryness.

bmsamson · 08-08-2020, 01:44 PM

So I replaced both the latch and the actuator today. While the new actuator is clearly working, I can hear it, see the cable retract the piece it attaches to in the latch, when I close the lid it doesn't work and I'm running out of ideas. Anyone have any brilliant ideas?

Links below are to short videos showing what I see/hear when testing after installation.

https://youtu.be/CQ__dESKXWI
https://youtu.be/dMXvLI-P7og

bmsamson · 08-08-2020, 01:48 PM

the issue that I was really getting at isn't how to get it to open with the key/switch not doing their job, but rather how to actually fix it so they do. thus the actuator/latch replacement, which still isn't making it work. Yes, I managed to find the emergency cable and have used it as needed to get into the frunk, but I want a real solution.