Trunk latch not working

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.

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?

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

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.

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.

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

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?

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?

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

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.

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

Thank you. Which scan tool you recommended me to monitor the activities?

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

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?

Let the shop tell you if they can read it. Let them do their job.

Roy

Understood. Just in case what is the snap on scanner tool you mention? What’s it called?

The Appollo. It is one of the most current ones available.

Roy

Sounds good thank you. I’ll give you an update.

You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy

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.

Okay, that controller is for the doors and locks. The trunk works off the body control module.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-bcm-body-control-module

I attached the location for you. Left side in the front under the dash.

Roy

All right thank you Roy. Now that I have a multi meter should I check to see it gives 12 volts or not? So that way I can replace the BCM?

Correct.

Roy

Thank you once again. I noticed that the BCM has many fuses connected to it. Which one specifically I should take out to find to test the trunk voltage?

Not a fuse, the wire to the trunk release.

Roy

Nevermind I found the one I need to test. It’s from the diagram you previously gave me.

Hi Roy. I’m currently shopping online to get an Autel can scan but I don’t know which one to get. Can you give me an opinion on this one?

https://www.jbtools.com/autel-usa-al609p-autolink-abs-can-obdii-diagnostic-pro-service-tool/

No, not good enough. You need one that will read the Body control module.

That one will cost you $500.00 to $1,000.00.

Roy

Good morning Roy. I found this one online.
Is this a good one to purchase to check the BCM?

https://www.jbtools.com/autel-mx808-maxicheck-all-system-service-diagnostic-tablet-usa-version/

Yes, that looks good as it accesses the body system.

Roy

Sounds good. once I purchase it I’ll show you all the data for the next step of fixing the problem.

Sounds like a plan.

Roy

Hey Roy it’s me again. I just received my scanner however I’m having a hard time trying to receive data about my trunk actuator working. Can you help me out?

What is the make and model number of the scanner?

Roy

The make is Autel Maxicheck MX808 the model number is DR7GM5V01367.

This model is not showing BCM data.

Roy

Darn should I return it and find a scanner for BCM data?

Yes, I would. You need one that will read live data from the BCM.

Roy

Hey Roy. Sorry for not updating you. Turns out that the scanner I bought doesn’t have it the BCM feature so I called their number and they mention that I need to take it to the dealership. Since Toyota has their own scanner that reads BCM data.

No, you do not need a dealer. Anyone with an advanced scanner can access the body control module.

They will also be substantially cheaper than a dealer.

Roy