S14 trunk problems.

[FaLKoN240]

The trunk release on my S14 does not work at all.

The only way to open the trunk is with the key.

I checked the security switch (the toggle that goes up and down) and it is in the up position, so it should work when I pull the release.

Another problem I have is with the trunk staying closed. The latch does not catch.

If the trunk release isn't ALL the way up the trunk is impossible to close. This is also a problem for me because it misaligned the panels of the trunk and it looks sloppy.

Anyone know any solutions to this problem?

[SharkMan]

Not sure if I know the solution, although I know its extremely common for the s14 trunk releases to act up. A lot of times people have to wiggle the trunk while having some one pull the release lever to get them to open. From what I can tell it seems to be a problem with the release and the latching mechanism.

[racepar1]

Maybe a binding cable. Does the fuel door release work fine?

[240boi115]

Originally Posted by racepar1

Maybe a binding cable. Does the fuel door release work fine?

agree'd i know the cable on an s13 runs along the passenger side and connects somewhere near the trunk could be the same for an s14?

[FRpilot]

Funny. I had this problem on my s13 coupe, but with the hood, while the trunk opened just fine.

Originally Posted by SharkMan

Not sure if I know the solution, although I know its extremely common for the s14 trunk releases to act up. A lot of times people have to wiggle the trunk while having some one pull the release lever to get them to open. From what I can tell it seems to be a problem with the release and the latching mechanism.

And that's how I got my trunk open or I had someone jam a flathead screwdriver between the hood while I pulled the lever to get it to pop open.

[jr_ss]

As with any catch/lock mechanisms you may need to adjust it. The unit can slide up or down depending on how you need to adjust it. It sounds like yours needs to come up some. It's a pain in the ass to do because you pretty much have to be paying through the back seats to adjust it.

[Om1kron]

had a similar issue with my s14 dude, you just have to keep re-adjusting the stupid cable latch position until it works flawlessly then tighten that bastard down. Should be 3 size 10m bolts that hold it in place.

[FaLKoN240]

Originally Posted by racepar1

Maybe a binding cable. Does the fuel door release work fine?

The fuel release is SUPER sensitive, and opens if i don't let the release down gently after trying to open the trunk haha.

I have adjusted the latch and it's at its highest point just so that it stays closed.

But, like I said, it misaligned the trunk and looks really bad.

[Om1kron]

Originally Posted by FaLKoN240

The fuel release is SUPER sensitive, and opens if i don't let the release down gently after trying to open the trunk haha.

I have adjusted the latch and it's at its highest point just so that it stays closed.

But, like I said, it misaligned the trunk and looks really bad.

loosen the trunk lid and re-align. may need a helping hand for that though.

[FaLKoN240]

Originally Posted by Om1kron

loosen the trunk lid and re-align. may need a helping hand for that though.

I know I can loosen up the trunk bolts on the arms, to slide it towards the front or the rear. How do I loosen it up to adjust up and down?

[jr_ss]

Originally Posted by FaLKoN240

I know I can loosen up the trunk bolts on the arms, to slide it towards the front or the rear. How do I loosen it up to adjust up and down?

I don't believe there is an adjustment on the hieght of the truck lid. Can you adjust the latch on the lid down any?

How misaligned are we talking to?

[rebornS14]

there's actually a latch in the trunk latch assy that can disable the lever. it goes up and down in the center of the latch assy. if that is off, like you said, you can only open the trunk with the key.

its meant for valet privacy.

if that's not the case then you have an issue with the cable, or your car was rear ended before and its just fcked.

[FaLKoN240]

I can hear the trunk bouncing up and down when I drive.

The latch on the lid does not move at all. I tried that first.

Originally Posted by rebornS14

there's actually a latch in the trunk latch assy that can disable the lever. it goes up and down in the center of the latch assy. if that is off, like you said, you can only open the trunk with the key.

its meant for valet privacy.

if that's not the case then you have an issue with the cable, or your car was rear ended before and its just fcked.

Sounds like my cable is the problem then...

[jr_ss]

If it bounces up and down, you need to adjust the latch assembly down to hold it tight against the bump stops/seal.

Do you have an extra set of hands? The cable goes underneath the rear seat across to the passenger side where it picks up the gas cap popper.

[FaLKoN240]

Originally Posted by jr_ss

If it bounces up and down, you need to adjust the latch assembly down to hold it tight against the bump stops/seal.

Do you have an extra set of hands? The cable goes underneath the rear seat across to the passenger side where it picks up the gas cap popper.

I could get a friend to help me with the cable, what do you suggest?

[fliprayzin240sx]

Can you see the cable actually moving the lever when you pull on it? I've had a cable issue on my first S14 where the cable snapped. It would still push/open the fuel cover but not pull the trunk lever. Replaced the whole cable with a new one from the dealer, problem solved.

[jr_ss]

Originally Posted by FaLKoN240

I could get a friend to help me with the cable, what do you suggest?

I'd pull the rear seats and feel for the cable while a buddy is pulling the release. See if you can feel where it "stops" pulling. Can you see it pulling on the release mechanism on the latch?

Originally Posted by fliprayzin240sx

Can you see the cable actually moving the lever when you pull on it? I've had a cable issue on my first S14 where the cable snapped. It would still push/open the fuel cover but not pull the trunk lever. Replaced the whole cable with a new one from the dealer, problem solved.

I have a feeling he'll be doing the same.

[FaLKoN240]

Fuck it. I'll just buy a new one then. LOL thanks guys.

[jr_ss]

Lol, atleast see if it's pulling on the latch release mechanism first...

[FaLKoN240]

Update on this, I can open my trunk up if I PUSH the lever down, then PULL it up in quick succession. It takes a couple of tries.

Sometimes it pops up, sometimes I just have to lift the lid to get into the trunk. It works well enough, if I get around to it, I'll yank one out of a wrecked car.

[AS240]

I had the same problem where the trunk wouldn't pop and I could also hear the trunk bouncing up and down over bumps. I moved the latch down and I think a little to one side. This fixed the noise and let it pop when I pulled the lever but it sat lower than the body. So I replaced the old squished rubber bumpers with new ones and now it sits flush and pops.
But my problem is that my key doesn't unlock the trunk. I even tried graphite powder and even soaked it in wd40 as a last resort but still nothing. I talked to my parts hookup at nissan and he says that there isn't a master key for the s14.
Could I possibly only have the valet key? It's does everything except open the trunk.

[codyace]

Originally Posted by AS240

I had the same problem where the trunk wouldn't pop and I could also hear the trunk bouncing up and down over bumps. I moved the latch down and I think a little to one side. This fixed the noise and let it pop when I pulled the lever but it sat lower than the body. So I replaced the old squished rubber bumpers with new ones and now it sits flush and pops.
But my problem is that my key doesn't unlock the trunk. I even tried graphite powder and even soaked it in wd40 as a last resort but still nothing. I talked to my parts hookup at nissan and he says that there isn't a master key for the s14.
Could I possibly only have the valet key? It's does everything except open the trunk.

I know it sounds odd, but keep lubeing it, and then sit there and stick the key in/out...do it forceably to a degree (don't bust the key though) and eventually it will free up.

[AS240]

I have. I was at it for hours and nothing. I really thought I was going to break the key off a few times.

[pik420]

I replaced my zenki trunk with a kouki trunk as it was in better condition. Just a heads up if the gap between the trunk and the rear quarters is not even on both sides you have misaligned it. I did this and had the same problems. I loosened the four bolts and played with it until it was perfect. Once bolted down it worked fine.

Trust me I feel for you spent a lot of time dealing with it may or may not be the problem but check her out.

Best of luck

[codyace]

Originally Posted by AS240

I have. I was at it for hours and nothing. I really thought I was going to break the key off a few times.

Strange....I've had the best luck (excuse my lack of language nor explaniation) literally 'fucking' the key hole with the key. This jars the tumblers most of the time...they don't usually break solid...it's always something stuck.