Nissan Repair: 04 sentra trunk lid, mother inlaw, trunk lid

Question
My mother inlaw owns a 2004 sentra. One day she shut the trunk lid and now can't get it open. The key only goes in half way, the remote open function doesn't open it, you can hear it actuating and pulling/ pushing on the trunk lid doesn't do anything. Is there a way to put the folding seats down from inside the car? She says you have to do it from inside the trunk. If not, any ideas on getting into the trunk? Thank you.

Answer
Hi Clayton -

There are a couple ways you can get into your trunk.

Before starting anything, try spraying some WD40 into the lock mechanism and see if the key goes all the way in. Might have to play with it a little.

If not:


First of all, yes, you can remove the back seat (remove the bottom cushion first, and then the back part). Once you get that off, you will need a flashlight and a long stick or screwdriver to jimmy the trunk lock from inside.

Secondly, you can drill the lock out. Take a 3/8" drill bit and use a cordless drill and drill through the keyhole just above center. Go about 1/2 to 1" deep, and then try to open it with a screwdriver (flat head). Of course, you will have to replace the lock, but it seems that it is broken anyway. It is inexpensive to repair, although once replaced, you will have a separate key for your trunk only.

Hope this helps
calvin