how to open the trunk from inside? (key lock broke)

[ec_co]

when I had the keys made, the trunk keylock sprung the lockpins from the inside and we can't get it open. what is the procedure to get it open from the inside? (searched the site, could only find one reference to "it's a big PITA")

[Fern]

Remove the rear seat. First remove seat bottom by pushing in on the bottom towards the trunk and up and it should pop off. The seat back has 2 screws at the bottom. If you have a backer behnd that it needs to be removed. Crawl in and open the trunk.

Then get one of these

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MOPAR-CHRYSLER-DODGE-PLYMOUTH-ELECTRIC-POWER-TRUNK-LOCK-OPENER-RELEASE-CATCH-/111367108189?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3AChallenger&hash=item19edff365d&vxp=mtr

[ec_co]

there is a tire in there, and with the cross bracing behind the seat I can't fit. and I can't see any way to open it (looks like it was designed to make sure you couldn't escape, no emergency release I can see)? they put a huge ass metal plate over the linkage between the lock and lock mechanism. I can move the tire from side to side to give me some room, but unless I can shrink myself, not sure how to do this =\  loooong extension screwdriver to undo the plate over the linkage?

[Fern]

Only thing I can think of is get a long extention on your ratchet and remove the bolts that hold in the latch.
Reach in as far as you can.

Good luck

[HP_Cuda]

4 screws to get the cover off, wow that would be a pain.

Can you unscrew the hold down for the tire and move it to the right?

[anlauto]

I would take a drill to the lock cylinder

[ec_co]

tire is off the pin and I can move it left or right. the pain part of those screws, is that they are a couple feet way and trying to break loose screws that may be partially rusted in place is questionable. I could probably do the bolts if I get some longer extensions, just wasn't sure that would be enough to release it from the latch? or if there was some other solution I'm missing or not seeing

[ec_co]

I would take a drill to the lock cylinder

another option for sure if it will work, replacing with new isn't an issue as it's the start of a rebuild anyways.

would I just drill the lock out, and thin plier pull the rod?

if the lock mechanism is rusted or the rod somehow came off, would removing the mechanism from the backside work?

[anlauto]

IF, big if, you can reach through to get at the two 1/2 latch bolts, that might get you enough room to open the trunk lid far enough to undo the two 1/2 bolts that hold the catch on the trunk lid.
Not sure how far the trunk will open with the latch/rod still attached.

My first hope with the dril idea is to jam a big drill bit in there and as it's turning it might turn the lock releasing the latch ?

[moparman82]

I used a small flathead screwdriver, just stuck in it the key hole and turned lol

[anlauto]

I used a small flathead screwdriver, just stuck in it the key hole and turned lol

Ahh....the joys of owning a Challenger

[RzeroB]

Got a skinny kid that can squeeze through the seat back bracing and get to the lock for you? If no kids, maybe a Somali will do? (when I was in Mogadishu we referred to the local indiginous people as "skinnies")

[mopar jack]

if your lock is simular to a cuda's you can open with a long screw driver. There's a release on the back side of lock latch. It's the middle to right side, just push the lever.

[ec_co]

if your lock is simular to a cuda's you can open with a long screw driver. There's a release on the back side of lock latch. It's the middle to right side, just push the lever.

exact same! do I insert into that slot and twist it to engage the lever? or is it that push button looking piece above the slot?

[mopar jack]

Sorry I couldn't figure a way put a diagram on the picture but it's the oval shaped slot and you move the lever towards the left. It's in the middle of the slot, hope that helps.