TRUNK LOCK - turns but will not open the lid - HELP

[Finally Harley!]

Hello again,
Just got back from a ride, and my trunk lock turns, but will not disengage the lock to lift the lid. Of course, my purse, keys, cell phone, etc. are in the trunk, so I MUST GET IT OPEN!

I read old posts about the screws coming loose and falling out, and the cable coming loose, but that's good info if you can open the trunk in the first place. I also read on old posts that there is no other way in the trunk except taking off the wheel and the fender. Hate that thought.

Does anyone have a great idea? I tried pushing on the trunk lid, pulling on it, turning the lock, locking and unlocking the lock, etc.

Thanks!
Debbie

 

[screwball]

You should still be under warranty, problem is, Simi Harley Service Department won't be open until Tuesday. Ditto Glendale, Canoga Park, Ventura, Santa Clarita or Lancaster.

I just went out and looked at mine, and frankly I can't see a way to 'pry, slim jim, or break in without screwing up the trunk or lid. If you have to cut a hole, it would make more sense cutting the lid instead of the box, you can replace the whole lid, but that would be the dealer's problem. Hope you have a spare set of keys, kind of sounds like you are stuck until Tuesday. Good Luck

 

[Finally Harley!]

LL

You should still be under warranty, problem is, Simi Harley Service Department won't be open until Tuesday. Ditto Glendale, Canoga Park, Ventura, Santa Clarita or Lancaster.

I just went out and looked at mine, and frankly I can't see a way to 'pry, slim jim, or break in without screwing up the trunk or lid. If you have to cut a hole, it would make more sense cutting the lid instead of the box, you can replace the whole lid, but that would be the dealer's problem. Hope you have a spare set of keys, kind of sounds like you are stuck until Tuesday. Good Luck

Thanks Screwball. I've adjusted my thinking to accept the fact that I might not get it open until Tuesday or later, depending on what the dealer can do. I have extra keys, but getting used to being off the grid without a cell phone is a challenge. LOL. We thought about drilling a hole in the lid, but I'd rather let the dealer deal with that mess.

Thanks again, and take care

 

[rhino 2]

Thats why i stopped locking the trunk and top box on my 11 Tri years ago.... I once locked my trunk and i had to fight to get it opened ....So I don't keep any thing in them worth more then what it will cost to replace the trunk/top box... When a thief snaps/brakes open the locks..Locks only keep the honest people out...:Shrug:

 

[alienwulf]

I am sure you could drill straight thru the lock they are not high security. If care is taken only the lock will come apart. If you call a locksmith they can take are of it no problem. Just a thought.

 

[Sunman]

I am sure you could drill straight thru the lock they are not high security. If care is taken only the lock will come apart. If you call a locksmith they can take are of it no problem. Just a thought.

Don't think drilling the lock would release the latch which is released by a cable when you turn the lock. I may be wrong.


Sunman

 

[grunt67]

lock trunk

I had the same problem on mine. I could not open it with key in the unlock mode. What I discover was the bracket became loose, and would not release. I had to gently press on the lid where it locks to the bracket and pull at the same time it finally released. I took a wrench and tighten the bolts on bracket, and the problem went away! Good luck with yours!

 

[alienwulf]

Don't think drilling the lock would release the latch which is released by a cable when you turn the lock. I may be wrong.


Sunman

Looked it up and see the release is on the side bummer if lock was out would have to fish for the release cable. Do able but harder kind of a strange way to release a lid.

 

[Finally Harley!]

I had the same problem on mine. I could not open it with key in the unlock mode. What I discover was the bracket became loose, and would not release. I had to gently press on the lid where it locks to the bracket and pull at the same time it finally released. I took a wrench and tighten the bolts on bracket, and the problem went away! Good luck with yours!

Thank you Grunt67. We tried light pressure, hard pressure, banging on the latch, etc. No progress. I'd like to know more about your comment - gently press on the lid and pull at the same time. Maybe if I can get more than my 2 hands on it tonight I'll try that. Maybe that slight tweak will work!!

- - - Updated - - -

Thank you all for your help and suggestions. The lock part where the key goes in, works and turns and locks, etc. It is the mechanism inside the trunk on the right side that is either jammed, or a screw came out and it shifted, or the cable moved, etc. I guess buying a new model of anything comes with its learning curve... Dang! :xzqxz:

 

[HDB0B]

http://www.triketalk.com/forum/threads/28419-Freewheeler-Trunk-lock?highlight=cable

See post #12 for pics

EVERY FLRT needs to have this repair or you risk not getting your trunk open.

Locked or un-locked makes no difference when the cable can not operate the release mechanism.

A VERY strong magnet might get the job done.

Bob

 

[screwball]

OK, there have been 3 or 4 'trunk won't open' threads started here, but no one has come back and said what the dealer did to open the trunk lid. So, what did they do, or was it 'operator error' in the first place. Help us out so we know what we can do if ours fail

 

[Finally Harley!]

OK, there have been 3 or 4 'trunk won't open' threads started here, but no one has come back and said what the dealer did to open the trunk lid. So, what did they do, or was it 'operator error' in the first place. Help us out so we know what we can do if ours fail

Nothing we tried at home worked. I went to the Harley dealer this morning. They said they have a HD prescribed protocol they go through to get into these Freewheeler trunks which have latch failure. Bad design for sure. First, there is a hole in the bottom of the trunk, which they stick a long screwdriver into, and then blindly fish around and try to push the latch open.

UH OH, because my big leather purse is on the right side, and IMO, in the way of that technique. Also, there is a liner in the trunk, which would most likely get punctured by a long screwdriver. They tried that, but couldn't get it open, so I left it there, and they said the next step would be to take off the wheel, the fender, and possibly the whole trunk box.

They just called me that they got it open, from the bottom, so I'll be heading over there shortly to see.

I'll get back to the thread with the end result.....

 

[Finally Harley!]

Nothing we tried at home worked. I went to the Harley dealer this morning. They said they have a HD prescribed protocol they go through to get into these Freewheeler trunks which have latch failure. Bad design for sure. First, there is a hole in the bottom of the trunk, which they stick a long screwdriver into, and then blindly fish around and try to push the latch open. UH OH, because my big leather purse is on the right side, and IMO, in the way of that technique. Also, there is a liner in the trunk, which would most likely get punctured by a long screwdriver. They tried that, but couldn't get it open, so I left it there, and they said the next step would be to take off the wheel, the fender, and possibly the whole trunk box. They just called me that they got it open, from the bottom, so I'll be heading over there shortly to see. I'll get back to the thread with the end result.....

Okay, so, HD dealer drilled a tiny hole in the trunk bottom, a tinier hole in the trunk liner, and fished around with a long screwdriver type thing until they made contact with the latch.

Said it took 2 hours, but all warranty work.

As mentioned in HDBOB posts, 1 of the 2 screws fell out, and the latch was crooked. The HD recommended fix? Lockite on the screws, and as a precaution, a small zip tie holding the cable to the cable bracket.

 

[Gorilla]

Glad they got it open for you and fixed the problem. Now it sounds like we have a solution to the issue. At least one that might work.

 

[Peter A.]

Trunk

Interesting.......wonder if that is MoCo's answer to the
same issue with Ultra's/Street Gides?
Did they repair the hole/supply a cork?

Sure glad you get it resolved.......best of luck with your new ride!

:wave4:

 

[Finally Harley!]

The service guy didn't mention the holes, but I asked about it. He said if it really bothered me, he could check with Harley to see what they might do. I don't think it bothers me, for now.

 

[Sunman]

The service guy didn't mention the holes, but I asked about it. He said if it really bothered me, he could check with Harley to see what they might do. I don't think it bothers me, for now.

What about possible water ingress if you get caught in the rain? If they cut a hole in the trunk I would want them to seal it. Just my opinion.

Sunman

 

[Finally Harley!]

What about possible water ingress if you get caught in the rain? If they cut a hole in the trunk I would want them to seal it. Just my opinion.

Sunman

I definitely thought about water. My thoughts are (1) it hardly ever rains in So Cali, and (2) I have the holes in case the latch failure ever happens again. However, I still may ask for a seal next time I go in. Good advice, thanks!

 

[rhino 2]

Think of it this way...If Water gets in ' It will drain out the holes... Sought'a like the PF Flyers Seekers i wore when i was a youth, The ones with the two portholes on the sides... Water gets in -Water gets out....:laugh:ThumbUp

 

[topsgt75]

The service guy didn't mention the holes, but I asked about it. He said if it really bothered me, he could check with Harley to see what they might do. I don't think it bothers me, for now.

See if the dealer can put a small rubber grommet in the hole!

 

[grunt67]

trunk locked

Glad to read, that it got fix. Just a suggestion for those who have not had the problem. Take a wrench and check the bolts that hold the bracket. Put the blue lock tied on the bolts and tighten them up. An easy fix before the problem begins. The rubber plug is a good fix as mention on the previous thread. Again glad to know that its fixed. happy riding!

 

[Finally Harley!]

Thanks everybody! When you tighten and locktite the screws, also zip tie the cable to its bracket, as that is another source of latch failure. And the rubber plug is a good idea, but I also lol'd at the water in-water out perspective!

 

[thomastrike]

Thomastrike

Okay, so, HD dealer drilled a tiny hole in the trunk bottom, a tinier hole in the trunk liner, and fished around with a long screwdriver type thing until they made contact with the latch. Said it took 2 hours, but all warranty work. As mentioned in HDBOB posts, 1 of the 2 screws fell out, and the latch was crooked. The HD recommended fix? Lockite on the screws, and as a precaution, a small zip tie holding the cable to the cable bracket.

Thx for the update.Would be a good idea to put locktite on those 2 screws now before something bad happens.:clapping:

 

[Bowler Jerry]

Checked bolts at latch and lock and bolts were just finger tight so took out and locktighted all bolts. Also put ziptie around cable at latch. From this thread would suggest you check bolts.

 

[trikeharley]

Hello again,
Just got back from a ride, and my trunk lock turns, but will not disengage the lock to lift the lid. Of course, my purse, keys, cell phone, etc. are in the trunk, so I MUST GET IT OPEN!

I read old posts about the screws coming loose and falling out, and the cable coming loose, but that's good info if you can open the trunk in the first place. I also read on old posts that there is no other way in the trunk except taking off the wheel and the fender. Hate that thought.

Does anyone have a great idea? I tried pushing on the trunk lid, pulling on it, turning the lock, locking and unlocking the lock, etc.

Thanks!
Debbie

Beat on top of lid hard and quickly causing the lock to move and turn loose. Then use lactate on screws that has fallen out.

 

[Roosp]

Latch Repair

Fixed the latch on my 2015 FLRT. Cause was a latch screw fell out and the other was very loose. I removed the right rear tire and fender. Using a 1 1/4” spade bit placed a hole in the trunk wall, and a minor hole in the liner from the spade bit point. Was able to easily push the trunk liner in, shine a light and use a small straight screwdriver and easily release the latch. Lock-Tite on both bolts and now good to go. Cover the hole with duck tape and is covered by the fender.

 

[Tucci]

Duct tape

Fixed the latch on my 2015 FLRT. Cause was a latch screw fell out and the other was very loose. I removed the right rear tire and fender. Using a 1 1/4” spade bit placed a hole in the trunk wall, and a minor hole in the liner from the spade bit point. Was able to easily push the trunk liner in, shine a light and use a small straight screwdriver and easily release the latch. Lock-Tite on both bolts and now good to go. Cover the hole with duck tape and is covered by the fender.

Eventually the tape will get wet or other wise leak at the most inopportune time. Just a quick search on amazon...50 Piece Flush Mount Black Hole Plug Assortment for Auto Body, or just go to your local auto dealer, the plugs are usually found in HELP section

 

[MDO]

I noticed 1 loose last year, pulled them 1 at a time, cleaned the threads & used the blue Loctite on both & they have not moved since. I pretty much use it on everything on the Freewheeler, except the seat bolt.

 

[Freewheeler2018]

Happy Ending

Just went through the inoperable trunk latch nightmare. After scouring the forums and learning what I could I tackled the problem. I got some heavy duty rubber foam (to protect the paint) and draped it over the trunk lid and body. I then took a dead blow hammer and gave the lid a few wacks while lifting up on the luggage rack. To my delight, the latch released and I could open the lid (Thank you Lord). One of the two screws holding the latch had fallen out and allowed the latch and cable to get mis-aligned. I glued a shim in the lower portion of the plastic housing and made a cable clamp to add when I reassembled the latch. Here are a few pics...







I was VERY lucky being able to open the lid. I wish everyone the same if they have to tackle this job.