Additional help with trunk pull-down mechanism

collinsc · #1 (**permalink**) 09-29-09, 03:13 PM

I realize this is a commonly talked about problem, but I haven't been able to solve my problem with the dozens of threads I've read through, so I apologize for bringing up a topic that everyone has answered many times before.

I have a 1991 Eldorado with the trunk stuck open. The latch is stuck in the down position. I would just like to get the trunk closed, period. I don't care if I can't open it for the next 6 months/whenever I get it fixed, I don't store anything in it.

I tried to dissemble the pulldown motor, as advised in other threads, but my technical skill is admittedly low. I wasn't able to fully figure out how to manually elevate the latch.

Any help on this issue would be greatly appreciated; also insults and complaints will be tolerated/understandable.

Thank you in advance.

**Ranger** · #2 (**permalink**) 09-29-09, 04:30 PM

If the motor is disassembled, just turn the gears. That should raise the latch.

collinsc · #3 (**permalink**) 10-08-09, 02:57 AM

Update: found a replacement motor, installing tomorrow, thank you for your help =]

Krashed989 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-08-09, 04:18 AM

Usually the problem is not the motor, but instead the paddle switch sitting on top of it. In any case, you can unplug it and hotwire the motor by removing the paddle switch and touching paper clips from the orange and black wires to the two terminals on the motor. If the latch goes in the wrong direction, reverse the polarity.

collinsc · #5 (**permalink**) 10-08-09, 12:21 PM

I think I may have damaged the motor while trying to disassemble it, and the plastic where the unit bolts in is cracked from other people recently slamming the trunk, so I've already located a replacement unit, seems just as easy to pay $20 for the part and 3 bolts replaces it, so I'm just doing that.

Thank you for all your help, other post included.