Cracking a trunk lock

[tehwickerman]

Theres a car in a junkyard with some nice shocks I'd like to get my hands on but the trunk is locked so I can't get them off unless I drill them out which may be very difficult... Is there any trick I can use to crack the lock?

[StereoInstaller1]

Yes.

Find the white and blue wires that go from the central locking module to the trunk.

Grab a handy 12V source,(electric screw gun battery is the #1 choice) cut those wires, and apply power to them for just a second.

If it does not unlock, reverse the polarity on the wires.

If this doesn't work, you're fucked.

[TexasTerp]

That's really interesting, I never thought of that before.

[StereoInstaller1]

I use the same trick to roll down windows.

[kronus]

Yes.

Find the white and blue wires that go from the central locking module to the trunk.

Grab a handy 12V source,(electric screw gun battery is the #1 choice) cut those wires, and apply power to them for just a second.

If it does not unlock, reverse the polarity on the wires.

If this doesn't work, you're fucked.

That is awesome, thanks Luke!

You're not boned if that doesn't work, though. I was stuck in a similar situation... Since I did not know about this trick, I bent up the lip of the trunk enough to be able to get a wrench under there. From that position, you can undo the two 10mm bolts that hold the latch to the trunklid.

[tehwickerman]

Awesome thanks guys. I don't think the car has central locking so it looks like I'll be doing some bending.

[StereoInstaller1]

99% of all BMWs in the US came with it.

[RobE30]

Cordless sawzall is fun too;)

[emi325i]

I unlocked mine old-school style using a hanger wire through the license plate hole. I used my other e30 as a test subject to practice and calibrate the "tool". You may need to let a genuine eastern-European perform this procedure, tho.

[Stevie30]

Try this:

03-22-2009, 08:16 PM #18 Stevie30
E30 Modder



Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Chattanooga TN
Posts: 962
Images: 19


I had the same problem on my '91 vert. If you will disassemble the lock on your other e30 you will see how you can get to the latch. Note the screw in the photo. This is where i drilled a hole big enough for a coat hanger wire to actuate the lever arm and open the trunk. After you get it open, remove the electric actuator and your lock should open manually with the key. Don't close the trunk lid until you are sure the key will open it. If it doesn't you can always use the coat hanger wire to open it. I put a small self-tapping screw in mine to fill the hole.

[ak-]

Jaws of life work well too.

[Chachi]

get a long thin screwdriver and a hammer

had to do this on a parts car i had, if its in the junkyard who gives a fuck! it worked for me on about the third hard hit, i guess it broke all the tumblers and just popped. i felt like the fonz for a second