QP Drilling out trunk/boot to release actuator...

[OZerati]

2005 QP: Does anyone know the procedure to get the trunk/boot actuator to release when both the manual cable and electric options have failed?
I read there is a location to drill in order to gain access to manually release the actuator but can't find specific instructions.

I have removed the handle and key cylinder. I have pulled the cable and no luck. I've pushed down on the lid with a lot of weight. The car thinks the trunk is open so I'm not sure if the latch isn't closed all the way or the sensor isn't compressed all the way.

The car had a minor rear end impact that slightly pressed in the center of the rear bumper. That's what has caused the situation. The trunk was opened after it was hit. After that it wouldn't close so I slammed it harder and it seemed like it closed but apparently it jammed somehow. I can't figure any way to get into the trunk. I've cracked locked safes and know with the right drill points they can be opened but this is a real challenge without causing too much damage.

Any suggestions?

 

[Massa in Perth]

Let the insurance company sort it out? Not very helpful, sorry.

 

[conaero]

 

[Wack61]

It's a Maserati , should at least be a rubber mallet

Will the back seats come out for access to the boot or would that still not work

 

[Phil the Brit]

Remove the rear number plate lights and surrounding trim. There are two holes behind here that allows you to see into the boot. The boot latch where the release cable is attached is now accessible and the lever can be flipped to release the lock.

 

[daverichardson]

Phil the Brit
What fantastic knowledge, really impressed.
I hope it works for OZ

 

[OZerati]

Remove the rear number plate lights and surrounding trim. There are two holes behind here that allows you to see into the boot. The boot latch where the release cable is attached is now accessible and the lever can be flipped to release the lock.

Thanks for the only useful reply Phil. Maybe I didn't write clear enough but your suggestion is what I have already done. I can't quite reach the actual lever but as I said, I can manually pull the cable that the key normally actuates. The latch is not releasing. I'm wondering if something has broken on the release when I slammed it shut.

Do you know specifically how the actuator motor works and what it actually moves in the mechanism? I'm assuming the release should bypass everything but nothing moves.

As I said, I have heard of dealers having to drill in a certain spot in order to gain access to the latch in order to get it to release.

 

[OZerati]

And no, back seats are not an option. The fuel tank is located right behind the rear seats.

 

[TridentTested]

The instructions for using the key manually are to press down on the boot lid as you turn the key.

Try this before any drastic surgery.

 

[Scaf]

Just a thought, but if you think the issue might be related to the rear being pushed in, is there anything to get leverage to pull it out whilst trying the release button / key ?

 

[Phil the Brit]

When you get to the actual lock lever in the boot if you can't pull it all you can do is turn the lock with the key. It is just a manual lock with a tumbler, just turn it. If the key is tight to turn it is because it probably has not been opened this way for some time and it is stiff.