Trunk sensor

2008 CHRYSLER SEBRING
139,000 MILES • V6 • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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DANNIJUKESGIRL
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  • 2 POSTS
Hi there!
I have the Convertible Touring Edition. The trunk no longer latches, which will not allow the top to go down. The dealership ordered a replacement part for it last year but ordered the wrong one, which was significantly cheaper than the one needed to repair it. Until we were able to get the part and schedule a new appointment, the tech did something to bypass the trunk ajar sensor, allowing my top to go up and down without the trunk actually latching. Since the trunk does not leak and I do not store anything it, I was totally fine with this half hazard fix. until my brother disconnected the battery and (unknowingly) reset everything.

So! I guess the long story short is, do you know how I can reset that sensor on my own now that spring is coming and I want to put my top down? My work schedule has been super hectic and I cannot seem to get the time to get all the way up to the dealership. Plus I am going on vacation and would rather spend the money in New Orleans. Haha!
Apr 6, 2017 at 9:57 PM
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STEVE W.
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 15,113 POSTS
That latch is not hard to change and you can buy it online for around $125.00.
The wiring shows there is a "latch ajar" sense circuit in the trunk light, but it does not show how that one operates. Normally there would be a switch in the latch itself but that does not seem to be the case. Without actually looking at the latch and light I am not sure what was done to fool the system.
Apr 7, 2017 at 4:15 AM
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DANNIJUKESGIRL
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Thanks so much for taking the time to check! We will look for a the latch online and see if we can do it!
Apr 7, 2017 at 7:14 AM
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STEVE W.
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It is not a hard thing to change. Basically remove the plastic cover, disconnect the release and mark the current latch location (I generally draw a couple marks at the bolt locations). Unbolt the latch, bolt the new one on using the marks you made (this is to get the latch in the range where it will actually close the trunk lid tight enough that it does not leak, but not so tight the latch cannot release.
Apr 7, 2017 at 9:50 AM