Trunk won't stay open.

As I was installing the stereo in the sedan today, The trunk lid kept falling on my head until I rigged up a latch using a coat-hanger.

The torsion rods that keep it open are secure, and I can't figure out why there isn't enough tension to keep it open. Anyone else had this problem and was able to fix it? I'd be curious to know how.

Actually, now that I think about it, that coat-hanger served multiple purposes today... I used it to slim-jim the lock because I locked my only key inside, I used it to run the amp wiring through the gromets in the engine bay, and I used it to support the trunk lid LOL.

Hey man I have the same problem, My bar in the back that holds the trunk open had been warped by the speakers in the back deck, they were forced back there by some dumbass and now my trunk won't stay open, I hope someone has a solution.

Originally posted by frozen_Joth
Hey man I have the same problem, My bar in the back that holds the trunk open had been warped by the speakers in the back deck, they were forced back there by some dumbass and now my trunk won't stay open, I hope someone has a solution.

Hmmm... that sucks.

The bars in mine don't seem to be warped in any way, and as far as I can tell, they are secured properly, so I don't know what the problem could be. In the mean-time, I'm going to attach a spring to the post that sticks out of the "arm" and to somewhere else so that it will hold the trunk open, but will stretch when the trunk closes, but I'd like to know a permanent solution to the problem.

Sometimes the Shocks just get worn out. Thats what it sounds like to me

Replace the shocks.
That should solve the problem.

You know Ive had this problem with mine since I got it way back when. I really want to know if there is a solution since I dont like having it not stay open. When I looked, I didnt see any shocks that would hold it open, but of course I didnt look extensively. I'll go look and if I can see anyhting, I'll let you guys know. Maybe I'll ask the guys at my work tomorrow.

You know Ive had this problem with mine since I got it way back when. I really want to know if there is a solution since I dont like having it not stay open. When I looked, I didnt see any shocks that would hold it open, but of course I didnt look extensively. I'll go look and if I can see anyhting, I'll let you guys know. Maybe I'll ask the guys at my work tomorrow.


If yours is a sedan it doesn't have shocks, only the hatch's do!

Here's what I did as a band-aid fix:

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/100169smTrunkBunjee.jpg

I did this on both sides using a small bunjee cord. One side is attached to the little post that sticks out from the curve in the hinge, and the other is attached to some kind of plastic clip up in the corner of the trunk. If you pull back the carpeting, you can see a little plastic thingy attatched to the top of the inside of the trunk side, and the bunjee clipped in there nicely.

If anyone is interested, I will find the link that gives you a parts list and instructions to just get rid of those bars and use the gas struts, like the hatchbacks use. It is really simple, it was originally made to be for the 7th gen civics because those bars are in the way of any aftermarket speakers, but it could be easily done on the 4th gen civics.

Originally posted by i_a_n112784
If anyone is interested, I will find the link that gives you a parts list and instructions to just get rid of those bars and use the gas struts, like the hatchbacks use. It is really simple, it was originally made to be for the 7th gen civics because those bars are in the way of any aftermarket speakers, but it could be easily done on the 4th gen civics.

Yeah, either that, or it would be cool to throw some linear actuators and a trunk pop on there and have it open by itself.

I will get the link from my friend who did it to his car. He used struts rated 10lbs higher than they recommended, so it kinda lifts itself about halfway up before you have to do anything.

Originally posted by i_a_n112784
I will get the link from my friend who did it to his car. He used struts rated 10lbs higher than they recommended, so it kinda lifts itself about halfway up before you have to do anything.

Sweet. I'd really be interested in that.

i've thought about putting an extra twist into the torsion bars to make the trunk pop all the way open when i pull the latch... dunno if it would work... but just an idea...

Good idea, but that'd be a pain in the ass to do.