Luggage Compartment Cable Snapped

[usaf-lt-g]

Hey guys,

I was checking out my car over the weekend (had some really nice sun for once and some decent weather). Noticed that when I push the trunk release button on the remote, trunk (rear luggage compartment) didn't open, but I heard the motor go.

So I opened the hatch via the driver's side lever, took off the the little plastic locking mechanism cover, and it turns out, one of the release cables snapped.

Since my Bentley Manual doesn't seem to contain info on the replacement procedures for the luggage compartment cable responsible for automatic trunk release. I figured I'd ask and see if anyone has a write-up and part #s I need to order to replace this. The inside lever cable is still intact and working fine, it's just the automatic release one that is snapped.

Thanks!

[RFM]

The cable and motor is only available as one part, if i remember correctly.

[usaf-lt-g]

The cable and motor is only available as one part, if i remember correctly.

Any info on the replacement procedures for this?

[Loren]

Must be pretty straight forward as they don't cover it in the service manual.

[usaf-lt-g]

Must be pretty straight forward as they don't cover it in the service manual.

Just to clarify... the motor assembly we're talking about, is that the "trunk lock actuator" we're talking about?

[Loren]

Yes, the latch side.

[usaf-lt-g]

Yes, the latch side.

Hmm, Ok...

Well, I pulled back all the trunk liner to expose the locking mechanism and cables. The "black" bowden cable is still in tact working fine. The white one, that i'm point at is the one that's busted, I already emoved the white plastic retaining cip that sits below the "back" bowden cable. Unlike the black cable however, can not trace where the white cable actually goes. it looks like it's tucked back under the metal restraining bracket for the spolier, which looks to be bolted in pretty good... What i'm wondering is, is the cable that's actually snapped in the picture the culprit for why the remote button doesn't release the trunk? OR... is this cable something else, a.k.a. emergency release cable? :help:

See pictures below:

Thanks!

[Loren]

Oh... your car is a 2000 so there is no motor - it's all mechanical cable pull.

There is a short emergency cable and the longer manual cable that attaches to latch.

[usaf-lt-g]

Oh... your car is a 2000 so there is no motor - it's all mechanical cable pull.

There is a short emergency cable and the longer manual cable that attaches to latch.

Hmm... ok, so then looks like I have 2 problems. The emergecny cable needs replacing, which I am guessing has no relevance to why the "remote control trunk release button" wouldn't be opening it.

So then... if the latch operation works fine which we know is the black bowden cable. And when I hit the trunk release button, I hear an electrical motor like i usually do, which pops the trunk (but now is not). I'm still confused where the real culprit is then?

:unsure:

[Cassiebox]

there should be 2 cables attached to latch pull. One is from the lever in the cabin, the other is from the remote motor which is activated by the key fob. It may too be connected to the emergency release but I'm not sure.

Anyhow, as you've found, these thin wires can break over time. Instead of running new cables, here's how one person fixed theirs:

Fixing frayed/cut trunk release cables

[RFM]

The motor is located in the left rear trunk corner, packet in foam, behind the plate.

[usaf-lt-g]

The motor is located in the left rear trunk corner, packet in foam, behind the plate.

Ok thanks guys! That narrows it down for me. I'll try the "lug" fix first (if i can find the parts) home depot's website doesn't seem to carry that part on it's online website, but ya never know. Otherwise, I'll just order a new motor. Appreciate the input!

[Cassiebox]

Ok thanks guys! That narrows it down for me. I'll try the "lug" fix first (if i can find the parts) home depot's website doesn't seem to carry that part on it's online website, but ya never know. Otherwise, I'll just order a new motor. Appreciate the input!

Are you hearing the motor click when you hit the release on your fob? If so, then it's just hte cable that needs replaced not the whole motor. Don't throw the baby out w/ the bathwater so to speak plus I'm sure the motor is quite $$$.

[usaf-lt-g]

Ok thanks guys! That narrows it down for me. I'll try the "lug" fix first (if i can find the parts) home depot's website doesn't seem to carry that part on it's online website, but ya never know. Otherwise, I'll just order a new motor. Appreciate the input!

Are you hearing the motor click when you hit the release on your fob? If so, then it's just hte cable that needs replaced not the whole motor. Don't throw the baby out w/ the bathwater so to speak plus I'm sure the motor is quite $$$.

Yea the motor works, but from the sounds of it, you have to replace the whole thing and you can't get just the cable. I can't imagine the motor being THAT much... but who knows... i've been wrong before ;)