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Trunk latch not working

Tiny
VLADSC50
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 120,000 MILES
Hi there. I recently bought a new trunk latch to replace the old one. Since the old one doesn’t open up with the remote. But now the one that I installed doesn’t open up. It makes a clicking sound and checked one of the fuses and it isn’t blown. What should I do?
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Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021 AT 4:46 PM

45 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,874 POSTS
Hi,

Chances are it needs adjusting. If you hear a click, it sounds like it is releasing. However, something is likely binding and preventing it from opening.

Take a look at the pics below. They explain how to make adjustments.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021 AT 9:47 PM
Tiny
VLADSC50
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  • 37 POSTS
Hi, thank you for the help. I do have a question if that doesn’t work what could possibly be the other problems for the latch releasing after pressing the fob button? Could it be electrical problem?
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Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021 AT 9:51 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,874 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. As far as possibilities, if you hear it click, my first suspect is the adjustment. However, if it isn't an adjustment issue, then suspect the lock actuator. What to do is simply actuate it with the release visible to see if it is actually moving.

I have to ask a question. Is the vehicle a 4 door sedan? Also, is the model year you listed correct? I ask because everything in my manual indicates the release is cable actuated which means there is no electric actuator.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021 AT 10:46 PM
Tiny
VLADSC50
  • MEMBER
  • 37 POSTS
Hi there. Yes, it’s a four door sedan and yes it’s a 2003 Toyota Camry. That’s weird because mine is electric actuator. Here is the old part that I replaced.
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Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021 AT 10:52 PM
Tiny
VLADSC50
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  • 37 POSTS
I don’t think mine is the cable actuator. Since I know it’s the cable release for the trunk and the key lock and this motor that I use for the remote fob.
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Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021 AT 10:54 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,874 POSTS
Thanks for the info. I have no idea why it isn't listed. However, what you have is certainly electric. LOL

Let me know if the adjustment helps.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021 AT 10:56 PM
Tiny
VLADSC50
  • MEMBER
  • 37 POSTS
Okay, sounds good. So I just follow the pictures you sent me to adjust it so it can latch on to the actuator? What software you use from the pictures you sent me so I can go step by step?
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Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021 AT 10:58 PM
Tiny
VLADSC50
  • MEMBER
  • 37 POSTS
Also I have another question before I make adjustments. Does the clicking come from inside the car or from actuator in the trunk? Because I’m thinking actuator has to open up when I close the trunk since it’s closed fully. Or it’s possible it can get stuck at the latch that it doesn’t open all the way?
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Wednesday, August 4th, 2021 AT 6:55 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,874 POSTS
Hi,

As far as the diagrams, we use two automotive websites, Alldata and Prodemand. They will charge you for the service, so let me know what you need and I'll get it for you.

As far as the noise, does it seem to be coming from the trunk area? Also, the adjustment I suggested is because if there is too much load on the latch, there is a chance the actuator just isn't strong enough to release it. That is a theory at this point. It will require trying to see if that helps.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, August 4th, 2021 AT 9:32 PM
Tiny
VLADSC50
  • MEMBER
  • 37 POSTS
Hi there. Sounds good. I’ll look into the service for those softwares.

As for the sound the click is coming underneath the obd2 port or around the fuse box next to the driver side. Not from the actuator itself. Because what I did to see if it work was I lifted the trunk and pressed the remote button and it didn’t open the latch.
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Wednesday, August 4th, 2021 AT 10:23 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon,

I found the diagram for you to view. The motor works off the body control module. A signal is sent when your remote commands the module to open the trunk.

You will need an advanced scan tool to monitor the activities of the remote and the signal to the trunk motor.

The controller is located at the C pillar which is the pillar behind the back door.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Roy
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Friday, August 6th, 2021 AT 1:38 PM
Tiny
VLADSC50
  • MEMBER
  • 37 POSTS
Thank you. Which scan tool you recommended me to monitor the activities?
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Friday, August 6th, 2021 AT 1:40 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Snap-On makes a good one but is very expensive.

Autell makes a few that can read it but you need to make sure it reads that system.

You will be looking at spending $500.00 to $1,000.00 on a scan tool.

It would be cheaper for a shop to read it for you and at least diagnose for you and then you could perform the repairs.

Roy
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Friday, August 6th, 2021 AT 1:45 PM
Tiny
VLADSC50
  • MEMBER
  • 37 POSTS
Understood, what is the scan tool name and if I do go to a shop do you recommend going to the dealer to scan and diagnose?
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Friday, August 6th, 2021 AT 6:54 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Let the shop tell you if they can read it. Let them do their job.

Roy
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Friday, August 6th, 2021 AT 11:47 PM
Tiny
VLADSC50
  • MEMBER
  • 37 POSTS
Understood. Just in case what is the snap on scanner tool you mention? What’s it called?
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Saturday, August 7th, 2021 AT 3:04 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
The Appollo. It is one of the most current ones available.

Roy
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Saturday, August 7th, 2021 AT 3:06 AM
Tiny
VLADSC50
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  • 37 POSTS
Sounds good thank you. I’ll give you an update.
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Saturday, August 7th, 2021 AT 3:07 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Saturday, August 7th, 2021 AT 3:11 AM
Tiny
VLADSC50
  • MEMBER
  • 37 POSTS
One more thing Roy. Can you send me a diagram of the front of the right rear wheel well? I just got myself a multimeter and I’m having a hard time finding the location of the controller to test it. Thank you.
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Saturday, August 7th, 2021 AT 8:44 AM

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