Trunk lock will not turn, dielectric grease did not fix it?

2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE

250,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

KIWASABI1

MEMBER
202 POSTS
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Hello 2carpros,

The trunk lock on my car is now stuck and won't turn. I can still pop the trunk from the release latch inside the car. But I can't open the trunk with my key. I tried some wd40 dielectric grease inside the lock and it didn't do the trick. This has worked before on stuck lock cylinders and latches, etc. Is there anything else I should try before replacing it? And do you know what the part number is for the lock cylinder to replace it? I couldn't find the right one for my vehicle. I presume I won't be able to get one made for my key, and that it will just come with its own key.

Thanks,

Adam

Mar 1, 2024 at 8:29 PM

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JACOBANDNICKOLAS

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
110,190 POSTS

Hi Adam,

The first thing I would do is remove the lock cylinder and see if it turns if there is nothing attached to it. I it does, then suspect the striker needs adjusted (binding) pic 1 below, or there is a cable/linkage issue.

I've attached a couple of pictures below for you to see how things are together. Thankfully, you can open it from the interior. If it is opening properly from the interior, that tells me the cable is good and not out of adjustment. Therefore, it is likely the lock cylinder or something binding with the striker or linkage.

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

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Mar 2, 2024 at 2:03 PM