Frunk wont release

[jpc763]

My box has started to have a problem. I can no longer get into the frunk without using something to pry it open (plastic of course).

Here is what it used to do: Press the release button and hear a click. Frunk then is partially open and you can get your fingers in there to activate the release lever and open the frunk.

Here is what it just started to do. Press the release button and hear a click. Frunk stays closed but you can use a trim removal tool to raise the frunk enough to get your finger in and activate the relase lever to open the frunk.

Of note: I had the clear bra removed and replace about a year ago and ever since, closing the frunk was a little more difficult. Other than that, I cannot think of a reason why this is happening.

Any suggestions?

[911monty]

Yes. Lube your latch. A good bicycle chain lube will work. Don't use WD 40.

[jpc763]

Originally Posted by 911monty

Yes. Lube your latch. A good bicycle chain lube will work. Don't use WD 40.

I have some good bicycle lube. Prolink Bicycle Chain lube. I assume that I just squeeze a bit into the latch mechanism. Any particular location?

[911monty]

Originally Posted by jpc763

I have some good bicycle lube. Prolink Bicycle Chain lube. I assume that I just squeeze a bit into the latch mechanism. Any particular location?

You want to get the lube onto both sides of the latch pawl so that it spreads to the housing. If you look closely at the slot in the latch housing you will see the latch. to the right is the rivet it rotates on try to get to there.

[NewArt]

If lubrication doesn't solve the problem, you will need to replace the actuator.

[PaulE]

Originally Posted by jpc763

I have some good bicycle lube. Prolink Bicycle Chain lube. I assume that I just squeeze a bit into the latch mechanism. Any particular location?

Prolink is way too thin. It will evaporate or wash away in no time. If you're a cyclist, use Phil's Tenacious Oil, Chain-L No. 5 or something else a little thicker.

[SC-986]

I had the same problem recently. Seemed to occur mainly after the car sat in sun for awhile and temp was above 90 degrees. I lubed the latch assy. pretty good and activated the actuator several times with the hood up. With each successive activation the actuator motor became noticeably weaker. Replaced the actuator (easy fix - 10 min. total) and hood/latch assy. now operates according to designed intent.

[jpc763]

Originally Posted by SC-986

I had the same problem recently. Seemed to occur mainly after the car sat in sun for awhile and temp was above 90 degrees. I lubed the latch assy. pretty good and activated the actuator several times with the hood up. With each successive activation the actuator motor became noticeably weaker. Replaced the actuator (easy fix - 10 min. total) and hood/latch assy. now operates according to designed intent.

Thanks for the tip. I am not sure what the process "should" look like. I have sprayed lube into the latch and I still cannot get the hood to close beyond the first latch. Here is a video of the process. See anything obviously wrong?

Frunk latch problem

[dghii]

Replace the latch.

You can screw around with it with lubricants but you won't fix it. Replace and move on...easy, inexpensive dyi.

[jpc763]

Originally Posted by dghii

Replace the latch.

You can screw around with it with lubricants but you won't fix it. Replace and move on...easy, inexpensive dyi.

This assembly only or should I include the actuator assembly as well?

[SC-986]

You are going to have to remove the plastic trim piece covering the latch assy. to effectively lube the latch assy. and see what is/is not operating properly in that area. The fact that the hood is not latching completely indicates the rubber bumpers are not adjusted properly or the latch assy. is not adjusted properly. There is up and down adjustability in the latch assy.

[jpc763]

Originally Posted by SC-986

You are going to have to remove the plastic trim piece covering the latch assy. to effectively lube the latch assy. and see what is/is not operating properly in that area. The fact that the hood is not latching completely indicates the rubber bumpers are not adjusted properly or the latch assy. is not adjusted properly. There is up and down adjustability in the latch assy.

OK. I will try to do that when I return (I am out of town) next week.

[911monty]

There seems to be some conflicting info here. It appears by the video that somehow the pawl in the latch is now in the latched (closed) position. The latch is now preventing you from closing the hood. You will need to identify the latch pawl in the slot of the latch. Remove the plastic trim piece so you can see what you're doing. Once you identify the pawl, get something in to pry upward on it and then hit the hood release. The pawl should then rotate out of the way into the open position. The pawl is what needs to be lubricated so the spring doesn't have to overcome the additional friction. Good Luck.

[jpc763]

I was able to fix the problem. The spring in the latch had worked its way out of the hole and therefore would no longer latch. I was able to fix the spring and the frunk now operates correctly.