1994 LS Key won't open trunk?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Washington
1994 LS Key won't open trunk?
I have this weird issue. My key used to work to open the trunk, but now for some reason it doesn't matter if the car is locked, unlocked, one door open, it just will not let me open the trunk with the key. I can open the trunk with the trunk latch on the dash, but for the life of me I cannot use my key anymore? Any ideas of where I should start checking? Have I possibly hit a switch somewhere, or is there something special I need to do with the unlock/lock button on the key?
I have 4 keys for my 1990 LS400. The valet key of course does not work on the trunk. My button key has recently stopped working on the trunk and occassionally has difficulty on the door. My second key and the aluminum wallet key still work fine. I noticed now that the button key is well worn as compared to the other keys so it probably doesn't engage the tumblers correctly anymore. Too bad as the button thing works pretty good.
glenmore
1990 LS400
1991 300CE
2000 C280
glenmore
1990 LS400
1991 300CE
2000 C280
Driver
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
I had my trunk unlocked back in 2004. Got the trunk unlocked by Bowman's. The cost was $85.00. The locksmith said the key hole was jammed due to rust, not being used probably for the life of the car. He broke/cracked a key in the process. He had to make two duplicates keys. All he did was lube, wiggle the key, lube, wiggle, lube, wiggle, lube.................for an hour. He said to lube key hole once in awhile if you don't want it to be jammed again, just use cheap lube stuff from Menards.
I had a similar problem with the mechanism being jammed with dirt , i removed it and soaked it for a week in pb blaster . I used the spare key to turn it once a day and eventually it freed up and works perfectly now.
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: TN
Will the 1991 LS400 trunk lock just jam *****-nilly? Or does it have to have something caught in the lock mechanism? You know, something like a back-pack strap?
Sorry to revive this old thread, but it seems to most closely follow my prob.
Sorry to revive this old thread, but it seems to most closely follow my prob.
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What is the problem you are having?
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: TN
I tried to pull up on trunk as someone else activated trunk release. But no luck w that. I was really afraid to pull too hard on trunk and warp or otherwise damage the trunk. Do you think i can really lever up on it?
You can try pulling up a little harder I don't think you will damage anything. I can't remember if the 91 have the key lock on the left side of the steering wheel right around where your knee would be but if it does maybe it's pushed in which is a feature so no one can pop the trunk if they broke into the car.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 98
From: ca
I've had to remove the lock and take it all apart and use 400 wet dry on the tumblers to remove the corrosion its a pretty intricate deal doing lock work. You may get by just using the correct lube, buy it at a lock smith. In wet climates locks sometimes corrode up and will be difficult or stick and not work. Using a good lube will prevent problems.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: TN
you can try pulling up a little harder i don't think you will damage anything. I can't remember if the 91 have the key lock on the left side of the steering wheel right around where your knee would be but if it does maybe it's pushed in which is a feature so no one can pop the trunk if they broke into the car.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: TN
i've had to remove the lock and take it all apart and use 400 wet dry on the tumblers to remove the corrosion its a pretty intricate deal doing lock work. You may get by just using the correct lube, buy it at a lock smith. In wet climates locks sometimes corrode up and will be difficult or stick and not work. Using a good lube will prevent problems.