Trunk will not unlock

[BimBim2oo2]

So my trunk is locked and wont unlock. My key does not seem to do anything. Anyone have any insight on were to start troubleshooting? I checked the fuses etc but I cant find anything labeled for the locks. My key however does work on my door locks (I find this strange).

Thanks

Josh

[Mike W.]

Are you using the same key you always have? Has it ever worked in the trunk? I believe there was a valet key for the cars that would only work the doors and ignition. If you think it might just not be working the lock but should try some Triflow in there. Triflow, not WD40, not PB blaster, Triflow. It's great stuff on locks. Have you tried turning it upside down? Shouldn't make a difference, the key works both halves, but sometimes it will.

[BimBim2oo2]

This very well could be the valet key. Its a remake of the previous key so I really dont know. As far as it ever working I really dont know as I never lock my car. There is nothing of value in it and I would much rather have somebody open the car and see that rather than smashing a window lol

Either way I locked my doors today accidentally by my elbow hitting the lock on my door. I went to go grab some things out of my trunk this evening and it would not open. Whether or not this caused my trunk to lock I do not know. It was operating fine on sunday. I can press the button in but it does nothing. I have tried the key both ways and nothing.

I'll look into that tri flow however I dont think the key I have will work as when I insert it does nothing.

[T.Hanson]

Maybe have them two girls in your perpetual photo bounce on it while you cycle the door locks.

Technically the electrics activate for the gas filler pin and trunk pin when the door latches are pulled up, or down. Mine make a groaning noise. No noises back there, it's trouble shooting time.

And, it's happened to me, inserting the key in the trunk cylinder, rotating the key slot to verticlal or horizontal to get the latch tab inside to rotate into the push the latch,...can be a brain teaser. Sometimes it just pumps in and out, then whatever's sticking un-sticks to feel the cylinder work the latch.

Which makes me very grateful, inspires immediate cleaning and lubrication before closing, because there ain't no way to lever anything open with major denting.

[Mike W.]

Which makes me very grateful, inspires immediate cleaning and lubrication before closing, because there ain't no way to lever anything open with major denting.

Yes there is. One leaves your car slightly less secure in the future the other costs you a taillight.

[BimBim2oo2]

Still cant get this thing opened.




I believe the trunk is actually unlocked however just jammed. I inspected my buddy's E21 trunk locking mechanism so this is how I came to this conclusion. I think the next step is to just drill the thing out. IDK my car hates me

[Mike W.]

What does it feel like? Does the button push in? Does it turn? What happens when you operate the power locks? Have you pushed in hard on the trunk lid while trying to open it?

Drilling is an option, but not drilling the lock.

[BimBim2oo2]

What does it feel like? Does the button push in? Does it turn? What happens when you operate the power locks? Have you pushed in hard on the trunk lid while trying to open it?

Drilling is an option, but not drilling the lock.

Button pushes in. The key does nothing when inserted into the trunk lock (does not turn). I have tried locking all the doors and unlocking both with my key and manually multiple times. Today I sprayed some heavy duty stuff in there and nothing.

I have a feeling that maybe a spring in the locking mechanism maybe jammed or something. I've tried pushing down on the hood multiple times.

The next step that I can think of is just drilling it out and replacing the lock or dishing out the $$$ for a locksmith.

[Mike W.]

Try pulling the glove compartment lock and seeing if it has the key code on it, I think they do. Then get a key cut from the code, a new master key. The code would be something like HB1234.

[BimBim2oo2]

Try pulling the glove compartment lock and seeing if it has the key code on it, I think they do. Then get a key cut from the code, a new master key. The code would be something like HB1234.

I'll get on that tomorrow and let you guys know what I find. To cold outside right now hahahahaha

either way I really need to get in the trunk my new power steering pump is in there along with all my stuff for school.

Thanks for the tip on the glove box lock to I never knew that

[T.Hanson]

Suggestions out of sympathy, not divine wisdom...

I've taken the glove box tumbler(s) apart to see the wafers, teeny little springs and how the key pulls them all in when inserted. It takes very little to make one not participate, stick out just enough to not let the assembly rotate. I understand your key will not turn, rotate.

If your key(s) work the door locks and the glove box, my Sherlock logic thinks your guess with a wafer or spring(s) being stuck is correct.

A hair drier or heat gun ? Careful of course not to toast the paint with the hotter heat gun. Maybe inserting the key sprayed with rust bust, or hold the slot cover open with a baby screwdriver to allow one of those little nylon spray tubes to spray the wafers.

I've used high test toilet bowl cleaner ( the rust stain, lime remover) to clean bolts, fasteners, but getting it in the lock would need work.

Still no go, it's Mike's # trick, $$$ locksmith vs. drilling, smashing. Weird it worked when you stashed the pump.

[BimBim2oo2]

I sprayed a good amount of LPS KB88 in there. If you guys dont know what that is its very magical stuff and the best penetrant I have ever used. We get it at work from one of our venders.

[T.Hanson]

http://www.bmwtechinfo.com/repair/main/057en/index.htm

realoem.com

In case you've not seen them.

I inserted the key in the push button slot. Unlocked, the slot is horizontal. No key is necessary for the button to engage the latch. Push the button, the latch opens.

Turning the key clockwise, right, in the horizontal slot does nothing. Turning the key anti-clockwise, left, I could feel the wafers, lock, doing it's thing.

If your key slot is horizontal, your war is with bumping, wiggling, jiggling the key while turning it left. If the wafers, springs are stuck, the push button just goes in and out. The inner tab doesn't rotate to push on the latch lever.

You can see all the Mickey Mouse parts on realoem, bodywork. There's also a reference to a master key.

As the latch hook is buried in a metal box, (see parts drawing), I'd try the heat idea if you car is in winter cold. Anything with a key solution, including a locksmith. My just looking at things, I only see major damage to expensive parts trying lever, drill, dynamite entry solutions.

[BimBim2oo2]

http://www.bmwtechinfo.com/repair/main/057en/index.htm

realoem.com

In case you've not seen them.

I inserted the key in the push button slot. Unlocked, the slot is horizontal. No key is necessary for the button to engage the latch. Push the button, the latch opens.

Turning the key clockwise, right, in the horizontal slot does nothing. Turning the key anti-clockwise, left, I could feel the wafers, lock, doing it's thing.

If your key slot is horizontal, your war is with bumping, wiggling, jiggling the key while turning it left. If the wafers, springs are stuck, the push button just goes in and out. The inner tab doesn't rotate to push on the latch lever.

You can see all the Mickey Mouse parts on realoem, bodywork. There's also a reference to a master key.

As the latch hook is buried in a metal box, (see parts drawing), I'd try the heat idea if you car is in winter cold. Anything with a key solution, including a locksmith. My just looking at things, I only see major damage to expensive parts trying lever, drill, dynamite entry solutions.

Key slot is horizontal and will not turn when key is inserted (there is a good chance I have a valet key).

I have browsed Real OEM and have yet to find anything regarding the trunk mechanism. I will browse through that manual you posted up though

[T.Hanson]

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?m ... g=41&fg=60


realoem.com

Bodywork

Trunk lid.