Body - Trunk Lid Won't Pop-Up/Open Far Enough
Bulletin No.: 07-08-66-004Date: May 16, 2007
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Rear Compartment/Trunk Lid May Not Open Far Enough, May Not Pop Up or Ratchet Noise Heard From Rear Compartment When Trunk Release Button Is Pressed (Install Updated Striker Assembly and Modify Spring Retaining Bracket, If Necessary)
Models:
2007 Saturn Aura
Built Prior to VIN Breakpoint 7F253600
Condition
Some customers may comment on any of the following conditions:
The rear compartment/trunk lid may not open far enough or may not pop up.
A ratchet-type noise may be heard from the rear compartment latch, usually lasting three to five seconds after the trunk release button or transmitter has been pressed.
Cause
These conditions may be caused by the following:
The rear compartment latch may be binding on the striker assembly due to misalignment.
The spring force from the original striker assembly may be too weak.
The rear compartment latch may go behind the spring lift pad due to the latch position being too far rearward of the striker and spring lift pad.
Correction
Install the updated striker assembly on vehicles built prior to the above listed breakpoint and modify the spring retaining bracket ONLY if the condition is not corrected with the updated striker assembly using the steps below:
Open the rear compartment lid.
Remove the rear compartment sill trim plate. Refer to Rear Compartment Sill Trim Plate in SI.
Mark or outline the original striker position.
Remove the old striker assembly. Refer to Rear Compartment Lid Latch Striker Replacement in SI.
Install the updated striker. Refer to Rear Compartment Lid Latch Striker Replacement in SI.
Open and firmly close the rear compartment lid five times.
Lower the rear seat to gain access to the rear compartment with the rear compartment lid closed.
Inspect the spring lift pad in relation to the latch assembly with a flashlight.
If the latch is centered to the spring lift pad (1), then proceed to Step 11.
If the rear compartment latch goes behind the striker and the spring lift pad (1), then modify the spring retaining bracket using the steps below:
Remove the spring from the spring retaining bracket.
Tip
Push the spring tab fully down and then flex the spring pad out of the striker in order to remove the spring.
Standing from outside the vehicle at the rear compartment striker assembly, begin bending the spring retaining bracket (1) to the right (inward) with adjustable pliers approximately 3 mm (1/8 in). Then bend the spring retaining bracket so the top rotates (2) toward the rear of the vehicle approximately 3 mm (1/8 in).
Install the spring to the spring retaining bracket and flex the spring up into the striker assembly. The spring (1) should be in the new modified position inside the striker assembly.
Firmly close and open the rear compartment lid five times while operating the trunk release button on the driver's door and/or the release button on the transmitter.
Verify the spring lift pad remains in the new location.
If the spring lift pad moves forward, repeat Steps 10-12.
Raise the rear seat.
Install the rear compartment sill plate. Refer to Rear Compartment Sill Trim Plate in SI.
Parts Information
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use the table.
Disclaimer