Rear trunk lid
 

:eek:
I did something stupid. I was repairing one of the three cables that actuate the rear trunk, and had removed all the ends from the actuator pin. I then closed the trunk. The electric actuator works, but I had placed a paper towel above the mechanism to keep epoxy from dripping on the carpet. This towel may be in the way. I put a plastic trowel in the opening between the lid and the spoiler and tried to gently persuade it open, but it doesn't work. I feel sooooooo dumb. Anyone have any suggestions?

Post pictures of what you have. As a group if we can help someone get a dropped screw out from under the IMS cog in the crankcase, we might be able to help you get your trunk open without damaging it.

In the past someone pried the lid open and used a very thin wrench to remove catch attached to lid. Another guy removed the bumper and CUT A HOLE thru to the latch. I found these posts when I was fixing cable ends that had pulled off. (fairly common) Good luck. Oh and another post went thru the vent in the wheel well? that goes thru to the trunk and caught the latch with a coat hanger......I think

Rear trunk lid
 

I have looked through all the related posts. The 10mm wrench sounds like the most promising. I will, however, on the unlikely chance, try to access the manual release to see if I might have left it on. I didn't photograph anything because there isn't anything to see. I have also looked at used lids on eBay. They start about $150.00. Labor and paint extra, and a last resort.
Thanks. Let's see what tomorrow brings.

I did not realize emergency cable still attached (maybe) hopefully so!

Well, the emergency cable was not attached. I had taken off the rear wheel, and removed the hardware holding the rear plastic wheel shield. I found the cable and pulled gently and inch or two, but all I felt was it sliding through the sheath. I then tried to access the opening to the trunk. Unfortunately, as much as I could reach around and try to access the way into the trunk, I could not. I did follow the cable to the grommet, but that is still outside the compartment. How someone said he could see the latch is beyond me. Anyway, I removed the spoiler and started to feel around for the nuts on the bracket attached to the lid. I only had very minor success. I managed to turn one about 1/4 turn (two 1/8 turns), and then had to turn the wrench around. I couldn't get it on again. I tried the other one, and could not even find it. I will look for a longer wrench and/or a slim box end with a ratchet. This will take patience. Fortunately, I do have the time. You now know as much as I do, and maybe more.

I guess you could be more aggressive lifting the lid since a new lid is an option that you may have to take. I think with the thin wrench and patience with more of a gap you will succeed. let us know

Here's the latch mechanism on my 01 parts car:
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1442947470.jpg

It unlatches by moving the lever to the direction of the red arrow. If you are willing to take an invasive approach, you may be able to drill through from the center-back of the trunk and insert a tool to push on it.

Maybe a good time to upgrade to DEPO tail lights? If I was in the situation I'd dremel them apart and go in through the tail light opening, then replace them with aftermarket ones as they are on my list anyway.

Although if you were going to stay stock I'd bet you could pick one up for way less than $150 for a new lid and paint.

Brilliant! With the left tail removed I can easily reach the latch assembly. If the plastic cover is still on, it will be held in place by the closed lid and two phillips screws. It is probably easier to destroy the plastic cover than the metal parts of the trunk. I have a spare 01 base tail and latch and I expect Woody has a few laying around cheap.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1442950595.jpg

I do have a dremel type tool with lots of cutting wheels. It is brilliant suggestion. Sacrificing a tail lamp sounds doable! I think I would like to remain stock. Mine is an '03. Is the '01 tail lamp the same? At the risk of sounding uninformed, who is Woody, and how do I get in touch with him?
BTW, I know the inner plastic cover is off so I only have to actuate the lever. I will spend a little more time tomorrow trying to wrench it. If that works, it is an immediate fix.
I am amazed at the wealth of knowledge and help from this wonderful group. I feel much better about the whole thing thanks to you all.

Woody sells used parts at a great price. His user name is itsnotanova. You can call him or text at 512-925-9171

Thanks, again.

Glad I could help. Unfortunately I have '00 tail lights or I'd offer mine up (as I do want to upgrade)!

My dremel is the most used tool in my arsenal. I couldn't recall all the things I've used it for in regards to auto repair.

Rear trunk lid
 

What procedure is best for cutting out the light. Isn't there also some sort of cover behind it held on with fasteners?

If I were to do it, I'd disconnect the battery, cut the lens off as best I could without getting too close to the paint or quarter panel, and then start hacking up the inside a bit at a time.

Once you get enough of it opened you can get a box wrench in to remove the four mounting posts and remove the rest to get it out of the way.

The panel behind it is just held in by plastic press buttons. I'd imagine you could push them out or pry them out from behind easily.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1442956239.jpg

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1442956253.jpg

Excellent precaution to disconnect the battery.
As before, thank you.

Just an idea, maybe go through the main wire harness hole? I'm not in front of a car to test my theory, but I'm thinking you could push the seal off the firewall. That might give you enough room to stick a long bar through the trunk and move the lever. Maybe?

I like this idea too.

Thanks, Woody. The main wire harness hole is another possibility. But I think I'm out of my comfort zone with this one, though.
If I don't have any success with removing the lid bracket latch, do you have a l/s tail lamp for an '03?

I have a passenger side tail light and bulb holder if Woody doesn't have one. Where in NY are you? I live in upstate NY.

I only have the amber/red taillights for $35 plus shipping

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1443026061.jpg
Hi Tommy,
After trying to undo the bracket fasteners until my hands cramped, I think I'll go for the tail light. I don't think the access is different between the left and right sides. If it is, let me know. I'm in Rego Park (Queens). Please contact me by email: stevendalia@earthlink.net
Thanks,
Steve

I sent you an email.

For anyone following this thread, there is good news to report. Thanks to Tommy583 (see above), a relatively simple (but time consuming fix is available). I was unable to undo the lock catch nuts with a wrench successfully, although it is also doable, but by carefully cutting the right rear tail light (used assemblies are available, and Tommy - thanks again - let me have one very, very reasonably). I masked the area around the tail light very well with about two layers of tape. I then covered the car completely with a plastic drop cloth and carefully cut a hole in the drop cloth around the tail light and taped the opening to the already applied masking tape around the tail lamp. This keep debris from getting under the drop cloth and touching the bumper or body. I then used a dremel type tool, and about 30 cut off wheels - finally switching to a fibre one, a 3/4" hole cutting bit on a regular drill, various flat screwdrivers, a small child and a dog. Having the replacement to go by, I could place my destruction surgically, and did not seem to do any other damage to the car, myself the child or the dog. It does take hours to do. Once the lamp is removed, the release could be accessed. My arm would not quite reach, but by holding a portable jack handle I was able to actuate it from the right side opening. Again, thank you Tommy. And thanks to all of you who had contributed to resolving this.

Glad to hear you got it open, fun times!

Awesome news!! I'm glad it worked out for you. This is an example of why this is the best forum on the interwebs :cheers: