Rear trunk won't stay open

[slogans7]

I've seen lots of problems with lids that won't open when the battery's dead, but none about a trunk lid that won't stay open. And that's my problem. The trunk opens fine, but as soon as I put something in the boot, the lid falls on my head immediately.

Ow.

I don't know if the Stabilus gas springs are just shot and need to be replaced, or if they can be adjusted. I tried their site and found no help at all.

You guys know?

PS - Same problem on the hood of my wife's Merc E320 wagon. Is this contagious among cars?

[Meir]

Originally Posted by slogans7

I've seen lots of problems with lids that won't open when the battery's dead, but none about a trunk lid that won't stay open. And that's my problem. The trunk opens fine, but as soon as I put something in the boot, the lid falls on my head immediately.

Ow.

I don't know if the Stabilus gas springs are just shot and need to be replaced, or if they can be adjusted. I tried their site and found no help at all.

You guys know?

PS - Same problem on the hood of my wife's Merc E320 wagon. Is this contagious among cars?

Replace them. They are not adjasteble.
I replaced the rears as soon as I bought the car, and the fronts a year later.

[com3dorm3]

Did it happen to be very cold? On freezing days the shocks on my car can't hold the weight of the lid.

[Eric G]

Found mine in stock at Autozone. Just take one in with you match it up and your good to go.

[Gforrest2]

Yup, cheap and easy fix. I think I got mine off ebay for around $15.

[slogans7]

No, it clunks me in the head in all temps.

I was trying to find the exact model online, but Stabilus makes a lot of different lengths and types of this thing. Do you guys know the model number? Otherwise, the Autozone purchase sounds good.

Thanks for your help.

PS - is it pretty easy to swap out?

[CoBeerToad]

Pelican Parts - Automotive Parts and Accessories - Porsche & BMW

Maybe this helps?

[Soetekouw]

Mine also closes (2007). Probably the springs need to be replaced. Note: Make sure you don't lay your keys in the trunk as you are putting other things in there. Then you may have another problem besides the lid hitting you in the head.

[paintboy]

I use a paint stick from Home Depot to hold mine open...works just fine. Some day I will replace pistons....

[slogans7]

Originally Posted by CoBeerToad

Pelican Parts - Automotive Parts and Accessories - Porsche & BMW

Maybe this helps?

That's great, thanks.

[dghii]

Rock auto has then very cheap....they work great. Don't get bonked in the head again. This is a 5 to 10 minute job.

[doragman]

agree..... rock auto --$20 and 10 minutes

[slogans7]

Originally Posted by doragman

agree..... rock auto --$20 and 10 minutes

Well I got the replacements but am baffled how to get the old ones out. Since I can't see the nut that apparently is holding them to the assembly, do I need to remove the whole assembly (don't know what else to call it - the black pieces attached to the car fram and trunk lid) to get the old ones off and the new ones on?

Also, are metric tools needed?

[Meir]

use a flat screwdriver to pull away the black metal tab.
the new ones will just snap in place.

[slogans7]

Originally Posted by Meir

use a flat screwdriver to pull away the black metal tab.
the new ones will just snap in place.

Thanks! I'll work on it tonight and say goodbye to the lumps on my noggin.

[Meir]

helpful link:
Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Hood Shock Replacement - 986 / 987

good luck.

[slogans7]

Originally Posted by Meir

helpful link:
Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Hood Shock Replacement - 986 / 987

good luck.

Perfect, thanks again.