Junk in the Trunk

A cautionary tale...

I accidentally allowed a small "c" clamp to fall on the ledge next to the truck latch and didn't notice when I closed the trunk (which appeared to close normally.) Later, when I pressed the "lock" button on the fob, I noticed that the parking lights didn't flash (which I have learned means that something, such as an open window, is preventing the car from locking completely.)



I then found that the trunk was not completely closed... the latch was "caught" but since the sensor showed that it was not fully closed, the hatch button was inoperative ...and the hatch could not be "unlocked" and opened.

As far as I have been able to determine, in this case, there is no alternative way to unlatch the hatch lock. (anyone know of an option?)

After a number of unsuccessful attempts to open the hatch, I noticed that the inside trunk light was on indicating that there is a hidden switch somewhere that tells the car that the hatch is fully closed. I applied (significant) pressure toward closing the hatch at different places along the hatch lid until that light went out, and then was able to (awkwardly) reach the hatch switch and it finally activated.

Hope this saves someone a trip to the dealer.

Beverly Howard

 

Didn't see anything... I would think that the law does not apply in this case since there is no restriction to move from the prime's "trunk" to the back seat when the hatch is closed.

Beverly Howard

 

Thanks! I did look, but didn't see it, so, thanks.

Now I have two options plus I now also know the penalty for allowing anything to fall onto that ledge.

Now that I know that, I might take a look in the future at the possibility of adding a pullwire and making it a bit easier than that. In addition, if I knew where the hatch switch is located, I could also put an NC switch in that line. I am getting too old and stiff to crawl back into that space.

Beverly Howard