2017 Freewheeler Trunk Will Not Open. Any Help???

[x18d40]

My 2017 Freewheeler trunk lock has stopped working. I can lock and unlock, but when I try to open the latch, it turns but nothing happens. The lock itself is not loose, it's like the cable has become detached. Any suggestions on getting the trunk open?

Thanks in advance!

 

[hobo98498]

My 2017 Freewheeler trunk lock has stopped working. I can lock and unlock, but when I try to open the latch, it turns but nothing happens. The lock itseld is not loose, it's like the cable has become detached. Any suggestions on getting the trunk open?

Thanks in advance!

Have you looked at an illustrated break down for the freewheeler trunk latch? You can look at it on line if you dont have the book.

A good parts counter guy will be able to tell you all the problems with the freewheeler latch.

The problem arises from slamming the lid. Once you get it fixed, never again slam the trunk lid. It is a press to close.

 

[Old Road Dog]

You can drill out the frame boss on the rhs in order to push out the mounting bolt to insert an L shaped rod to reach up and depress the back of the cable mechanism which will pop open the latch. Not easy to do. Or do what I did. On the rhs side of the closed lid with a tape measure inserted into the rear lid slot measure 8" along the top then down about 3.75" and drill a pilot hole with a 3/16 bit then enlarge to 5/8. Blue tape the surface first. Bend a cheapo screwdriver 90 degrees and depress the back of the cable mechanism to pop open the latch. Plastic plugs can be had at the hardware store. Don't worry about somebody getting into your trunk...a steel toe boot will take care of that.

 

[Trail boss]

Have you look at an illustrated break down for the freewheeler trunk latch? You can look at it on line if you dont have the book.
A good parts counter guy will be able to tell you al the problems with the freewheeler latch.
The problem arises from slamming the lid. Once you get it fixed, never again slam the trunk lid. It is a press to close.

What he says but I never slam the lid. I depress the button and close until it clicks.

 

[JTJersey]

Can't the lock be drilled out and replaced after it's been opened?

 

[pwhoever]

Can't the lock be drilled out and replaced after it's been opened?

He mentioned that he can still lock and unlock so drilling out the lock probably isn't going to be any help.

 

[Old Road Dog]

Can't the lock be drilled out and replaced after it's been opened?

If one looks at the schematics in the parts catalog, #39: nut 90300103 and #40washer,tabbed 90300104 are holding #29 lock assembly 5300003309 in the body and the tabbed washer keeps it from rotating. I suspect that tab may have broken..IDK. Drilling out the lock still leaves the nut screwed to the tumbler body and the only way to unscrew is from inside with a socket.. May make a mess of things. This is why I determined attacking the lock assembly may not be the best idea. And pushing on the cable locknut #5 is the way to go. Had the seat off the other day...if one dosnt want to drill the body-sending a bent rod through the bulkhead may be an option but I haven't tried it. It takes about 3-5 pounds applied pressure to get that cable to unlatch the mechanism which is probably why the locket fails eventually. Study the circled components- that is exactly how it sets into the body.#17 and #5 are mounted to the LHS bulkhead.

 

[RKplus10]

I agree with what Michael (ORD) says. The only other suggestion I have is to look at someone else’s Freewheeler or maybe go to your dealership. Open the trunk and trip the mechanism so you can see exactly how it works before drilling any holes. Good luck with it!