Trunk Lock

[B. Wilson]

1999 Regal LS, the trunk lock just spins when you put the key in and turn. I mean the entire lock assembly turns. Unfortunately, the trunk is still locked!! No, it doesn't have the electric lock on the trunk. How do I get in there to open the trunk without destroying the lock??????

[HotZ28]

Try to hold the lock cylinder with your fingers, while turning the key.

[BNaylor]

A '99 Regal LS without electric trunk release? Are you sure?

Do you have the rear passenger seat pass though door like for skis to do a visual inspection? It sounds like the short cable between the key lock cylinder and trunk latch release mechanism broke or got disconnected.

[B. Wilson]

Yeah, it's an LS. It also does have the middle of the back seat opening to the trunk. What should I look for after I'm in there???

[B. Wilson]

Be advised, after my daughter bought this car, she discovered that the keyless entry remotes were nowhere to be found. If that is the electric way in to the trunk, forget it. She swears there is no button on the dash or in the glovebox to push. Is there???

[BNaylor]

All I can tell you for comparison purposes is my '99 LS has remote keyless entry and it has a a yellow trunk release pushbutton located in the glovebox. If equipped the pushbutton it is located on the left side of the recessed area of the dash as the glovebox door is opened. Although it is possible I've never heard of a 1999 Regal LS or GS without those items as standard equipment but I guess it is possible.

As far as the rear passenger seat opening, unlock and open the door. Then with a good lighting source pointed towards the back of the trunk look for a short black cable between the key cylinder and the trunk release latch. Also, the key cylinder will have a spring loaded metal retainer shaped like a U that holds the key cylinder to the trunk lid. Maybe that fell off. If all else fails you can remove the rear passenger seat cushions to get into the trunk if squeezing in via the door is no help. It will be a tight fit. By pulling on the cable I mentioned it will activate the trunk release latch to open the trunk.

[B. Wilson]

Went out and looked again. No button in the glovebox. And that hole between the seats looks awfully small for me to be trying to squeeze through!!!!!

Doesn't look like the lock on the opening has ever been used, either. Hope it works!!

Thanks for your help and advice. Hopefully, I can get this whipped, one less thing for me to worry about!!

[B. Wilson]

Back seat came out, piece of cake!! Crawled into the trunk, discovered the cable was broken inside the piece that goes on the actual trunk lock that you put the key into. Had to unbolt the latch from the trunk lid to get the lid to open. A call to the local GM dealer and $76 later, I had the new part. Everything is back together and working just fine!

It's great to be able to put questions/problems out there and have however many people weigh in on them. No matter what the problem is, it seems that someone has had that same one. Thanks again for your help!!

[BNaylor]

Good job and thanks for the feedback. Glad it worked out for you.