How do you fix a Car trunk on 1999 Mazda 626 if it doesn't close can I fix it myself or do you need to take it to get fixed?

Answer 1

Whether or not you can repair it yourself depends mostly on what is wrong. You would have to do a little looking around first. It may be as simple as a sticking trunk latch, or the whole trunk cover may need adjustment if it has been in an accident recently. Whatever the cause there is a pretty simple solution. If there is no actual visible damage to tre trunk lid (dents, twisted, or otherwise damaged to the extent of not closing) then this is really a quick and easy fix. Before you take anything apart, open the lid and check th make sure the trunk latch is open. If you're not sure what the trunk latch looks like it is usually on the inside of the lid itself (unless the key-hole is on the rear panel on or between the lights.) In either case the fix is the same.

Tools you will need: A metric socket set and a ratchet (or a wrench set), a screwdriver, a pair of pliers

1. As I said, first you must locate the latch itself. Opposite of the latch is the striking pin. In your car it looks like a sort of U-shaped metal hook. This is what will hold the trunk lid closed. As this pin is inserted to the lock a small armature inside the latch hooks around the pin to secure it.

2. Place your keys into the key hole, and grab the screwdriver. Use the screwdriver to see if the latch is closing by holding the screwdriver horizontally and pushing it into the latch as if it were the striking pin. If the latch closes, Your striking pin may be a bit off, or the latch may not be staying closed. (Farther investigation will help determine whether the latch needs replacing.)

3. If your screwdriver closes the latch use the key to unlock the latch and lift the screwdriver out. If the screwdriver will lift out without using the key, you will need to replace the latch.

4. If there is a trim panel on your trunk around the latch it may need to be removed. They are usually held in by a series of plastic pins that just push into place and can usually re removed by pullung firmly, but be careful not to damage the trim. There may also be a plastic panel that may need to be unscrewed with a Phillips head screvdriver before pulling the liner trim.

5. After removing the liner you will notice two or three bolts where the latch is. Use a sharpie to mark the exact location of the latch mechanism and remove the bolts. (If you have a manual trunk release - usually with a lever beside the seat - or an electric release button you will need to disconnect it. The electric will simply unplug using the small "release button" on the plug then separating the two. The manual release cable can be tricky on some models. Just remember where everything is - even if you need to take a picture with a digital camera to reference later during re-installation.

6. I usually go to the junkyard for parts like this, because you can remove them yourself before doing your own car to get a feel for things, and if something gets broken there are usually more cars to choose from. Follow the directions for removal as described above. But first be sure that the latch is the same as yours. (If its painted a different color than yours, it doesn;t matter because it will be hidden anyway.) Check to see if it has the same release as yours does inside the car. If it does, do the same test as before to check if the latch is good. as long as it holds your screwdriver tightly its a good latch. there may not be keys with the new latch, but that's ok because you will not be using these parts of the lock anyway.

7. If you want a new latch, you will need to know what type(manual, electric release, or no release)when ordering.

8. once you have all the parts you need, begin re-installing the latch. Follow the directions above in reverse for installation. Be sure when mounting latch that you line up to the mark you made, or the striking pin may not meet with the latch properly.