trunk won't pop

#1 07-14-2004, 09:32 AM

the trunk release handle doesn't work anymore and the key i have won't fit the trunk lock for some reason. i can access the trunk through the backseat for now, but that's not exactly convenient. where do i start looking for broken cables in the release mechanism?

Chiketkd · #2 07-14-2004, 09:46 AM

Do you have a spare key for your SVX lying around at home?

My valet key (has a 'Y' on it) doesn't open the trunk latch, but my 'X' key does.

Once you're able to open the trunk, see if the trunk lock switch hasn't been activated on accident - it's a little lever on the lock itself.

If that isn't the problem, remove the plastic covering surrounding the latch (at base of trunk). On the right hand side you'll see where the metal cable runs and releases the lock. If that metal cable is gone, pull your trunk siding and look for the metal cable.

-Chike

dcarrb · #3 07-14-2004, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Chiketkd

My valet key (has a 'Y' on it) doesn't open the trunk latch...

For those who don't know: It's not supposed to.

dcb

Chiketkd · #4 07-14-2004, 10:29 AM

Why??? My three keys are the original ones the previous owner got when he bought the car new...

-Chike

Quote:

Originally posted by dcarrb
For those who don't know: It's not supposed to.

ensteele · #5 07-14-2004, 11:11 AM

Think about what a Valet is. Do you want him or her to get into the trunk and rummage through your stuff? I don't. That is why you would give them the valet key so you could be sure they couldn't get into the trunk - just park the car and bring it back. (As if I would let someone else drive my car when I am not there !!!!!!)

I would bet that the Cancel lever is moved to the up position on the trunk latch. It has been done many times and is very easy to do. Move it to the down position and it will work again. Why would you want to do that? Same reason as before. That way the Valet can't get into the trunk without the regular key.

dcarrb · #6 07-14-2004, 11:34 AM

Of course, you do have to cancel the remote trunk release before leaving the car, and an unscrupulous valet could still gain access to the contents of the trunk through the back seat.

Pretty sure the valet key doesn't open the glovebox, either.

dcb

Mr. Pockets · #7 07-14-2004, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dcarrb
Of course, you do have to cancel the remote trunk release before leaving the car, and an unscrupulous valet could still gain access to the contents of the trunk through the back seat.

Pretty sure the valet key doesn't open the glovebox, either.

dcb

No, the valet key does not unlock the glovebox.

As for the back seat, isn't there a leve on the back of the seat to disable the button? I haven't looked at it in awhile, so I may be thinking of a diffrent car.

Chiketkd · #8 07-14-2004, 11:56 AM

Yes, there is a lever that you need to push first (on the back of the seats) before you can flip down the backseats from inside.

-Chike

Quote:

Originally posted by Mr. Pockets
As for the back seat, isn't there a leve on the back of the seat to disable the button? I haven't looked at it in awhile, so I may be thinking of a diffrent car.

dcarrb · #9 07-14-2004, 12:20 PM

Yep; forgot about that.

dcb

Chiketkd · #10 07-14-2004, 12:24 PM

Question dcarrb - does your key(s) not have a 'y' or an 'x' marked on them???

-Chike

Quote:

Originally posted by dcarrb
Yep; forgot about that.

dcb

dcarrb · #11 07-14-2004, 12:36 PM

My regular key is an aftermarket dupe, but it does in fact bear an X_ _ _ code. Valet key is stashed at home; I'll check this evening.

dcb

NeedForSpeed · #12 07-14-2004, 03:34 PM

NIGHTMARE,

Both Subaru keys broke within a couple weeks of each other. The keys were probably ten years old. One key actually fell off just before my exwife put it in the ignition. Then, I believe it was her again [no comments please] broke the other key in the trunk lock.

Well, that was okay for awhile, until somehow both the rear deck switch that prevents the pull handle from opening the trunk and the switch on the rear seat that prevents the button from releasing and folding the rear seat down got switched. I think the rear seat switch got moved somehow when the seat was down.

Well, thankfully, a talented locksmith got the broken key out, and it was way in there! Then, using the new keys I had made I opened the trunk and flipped both switches to allow full access.

My advice, if your keys are old, have them replaced. They do fatigue over time.

Chiketkd · #13 07-14-2004, 07:54 PM

Ouch! Sorry to hear about your ordeal Ron. That's funny how both keys broke with your ex-wife...

-Chike

SVX-FF · #14 07-14-2004, 09:42 PM

I went to the Subie dealer to get two new keys cut that had the black on the key. They had to cut them by code, 3 times. the darn keys still did not work. the key code on mine has been recycled or somthing. The dealer could not cut the keys normal because of to much paperwork. Lazy people. I had to get two ugly spairs made at Ace Hardware for 5 bucks. But they work

Steve

NeedForSpeed · #15 07-15-2004, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SVX-FF
I went to the Subie dealer to get two new keys cut that had the black on the key. They had to cut them by code, 3 times. the darn keys still did not work. the key code on mine has been recycled or somthing. The dealer could not cut the keys normal because of to much paperwork. Lazy people. I had to get two ugly spairs made at Ace Hardware for 5 bucks. But they work

Steve

This happened a couple years ago, keys breaking within a couple weeks. When the second key spontaineously broke in her hand as she was reaching for the ignition. It just fell off!, thankfully before my ex-wife got it in the ignition. Actually, THAT would have been the WORST nightmare. Imagine, one key broken in the ignition, the other broken in the trunk lock! Anyway, The car was at the grocery store. She called me for help.

Now, I had no keys. One broken in the trunk lock, now the other just a stub! So I drove to the closest Subaru dealer, and had five keys made with the black grip. I believe the key code was used, the code recessed in the key near the grip. Then, I drove another 50 miles back to the car. I put the first key in, it would not turn. Again with the next key, a no go. Luckily, the last key I tried started the car.

Well, I had another Subaru dealer cut some keys using the VIN. These keys came out differently, the cut looked different. More key was left between the whatevers? The keys looked stronger. Anyway, every key worked. I took the other keys back to the first dealer and got my money back.

How about that? Well, the groceries were in the trunk, so the flip handle was still working at that time. Sometime after that, both switches got locked, and I couldn't get into the trunk. So, while playing at Lake Tahoe for a few days, I found this locksmith. I think it took him almost an hour to dig that key out. He had several picks in there holding all the shutter doors open [or whatever they are called]. Finally, all was well again with my Subaru.