[Trak Ratt]

Originally Posted by turbo23dog

Try this link from a thread on 986Forum about the same problem

http://986forum.com/forums/showthrea...pen+rear+trunk

looks like it needs a pass word to view?

[smdubovsky]

Rich, that's EXACTLY her symptoms Laptop and all.

For those w/o a 986forum acct: It posts the procedure for getting to the emergency release cable. Turns out there is another small cable between the solenoid and the latch that broke on his - he could hear the noise but no action. Emerg one still worked for him.

Here is the procedure (reposted w/o permission):
>
Hello people,

Job done! The cable that goes to the electronic release mechanism was broken.

For future reference, the release cable is on the passenger side of a RHD vehicle, and sits just on the inside of the bumper. It's near on impossible to get without taking off some body parts, so here's how to do it (trust me, it's not so bad): -

1.) Take off the painted mechanical spoiler cover. This has four clips along the front (which you release by pushing a screwdriver through the holes visible from the back), and then you can pull it off. Pull it off gently though, as the tabs along the back look quite fragile.

2.) Unscrew the two bolts which hold the metal spoiler base to the support poles and remove the metal spoiler base.

3.) Unscrew the three screws that run along the top edge of the bumper, that were previously obscured by the spoiler.

4.) Unscrew the obvious screw in the wheel arch on either side. This is towards the top of the bumper.

5.) Unscrew the four screws on the underside of the bumper that are on either side of the car near to the wheels (two per side).

6.) Unscrew the two screws on the underside of the bumper either side of the exhaust tip.

7.) Unhook the bumper from the wheel lining (you just have to man-handle it a bit - you won't break anything). Do this on either side and have someone ready to catch!

The bumper will now come off very easily, and you'll see the release cable hanging down from under the passenger side rear light cluster. Remember that this is a RHD vehicle, where on a LHD vehicle it is on the drivers side.

It's up to you, but I relocated my release cable to somewhere slightly more accessible.

It's just as easy to put back, but you do need two people to get the bumper hooked back around the wheel arch linings.

Hope this helps anyone with the same problem!

Cheers,

Stu.

[Rob in VA]

this always worked for me in the past.

[Trak Ratt]

Originally Posted by Rob in VA

this always worked for me in the past.

Attachment 13060

as always, very helpful u-r-such-a-tool

[Lucky]

Lucky: On 2001s both trunks are full electric. The buttons on the rocker operate the same electric solenoids as the key fob. She has tried both ways.

Oops... I thought they didn't change away from the cable releases until the (very minor) styling refresh in '03. My mistake.

[turbo23dog]

I figured this problem was similar to the link posted. The Boxster is pretty easy to work on but its kind of tough to keep track of all the small tricks.

You ought to see the shenagains you gotta go through should the battery die while the car is locked, which happens to people who store the car for the winter. You gotta get the front hood open so you can recharge/replace the battery but of course with the battery dead, the front hood ain't opening. There's a safety release wire in the pass side front wheel well but you have to remove the fender liner to get to it. You can also use the cig lighter outlet to power up the system.

At any rate, I'll have to remember that links to 986Forum are not useful if you don't have an account.

[smdubovsky]

Verdict: The cable to the solenoid was snapped right at the latch. Easy to see the frayed end once the trunk was open and the little plastic cover was taken off. Would be good for other people to check if they use the trunk often (The wife uses at least 6x every weekday)

The above instructions are far too complex. You really just need to take the 3 screws out of the bumper on the driver side (one in the wheel well, two underneath and just behind the wheel.) Pull the cover out 3-4", reach in and pull cable - helps to have skinny arms/hands. Alternatively you could just take off the rear inner fender liner on the driver side.

Rich, The 01's and up have a post in the fuse box to connect a jumper cable. The procedure is covered in the owners manual. Negative to the door latch post, pos to the fuse box, open trunk, move jumpers to battery, jumpstart car.

Tnx guys. Now I need to order (or make) a replacement solenoid cable.
SMD