Anyone having trunk issues?

[Blackthought_]

Received my car it’s been relatively drama free and am thoroughly enjoying it but keep having the annoying red trunk light come up saying the trunk is not closed properly. I’ve had my fair share of lotus’s over the years and am no spring chicken when it comes to the trunk being finicky.

What method are you guys using to close your trunk? I hear some folks closing it hard, some closing it soft etc.

When I was examining the the trunk latch, it appears to be some sort of what I’ll call a dual latch mechanism where it appears to lock after one click, but, the mechanism can be pushed to a second click where I believe it actually locks. If you close the trunk on only the first click, it will get stuck and you have to yank on it to actually open the trunk (the key fob won’t even open it). I used a bit of oil to lubricate the latch and will test out later today.

Anyone else have trunk issues?

 

[LuckysDad]

Close it hard.
If I close it lightly and it doesn't double latch it's a real pain in the ass to get it open.

 

[KCMO68_510]

I just give it some umph when I close it. Hasn't been an issue.

 

[scc.131.fe]

I set the trunk to that height where the pistons hold it in neutral (not rising, not lowering) and then just send it down with a thumb from there. No problems.

 

[LuckysDad]

The trickle charger cable is the biggest culprit of my trunk issues...

 

[Magma]

The trickle charger cable is the biggest culprit of my trunk issues...View attachment 43346

That color is insane!

 

[CHEESE]

The trickle charger cable is the biggest culprit of my trunk issues...View attachment 43346

Wish they would've put a special slot or channel in there for the charger cord, knowing that it comes with a charger and is suggested to be used by Lotus...

 

[Biggles of Norwich]

Close it hard.
If I close it lightly and it doesn't double latch it's a real pain in the ass to get it open.

I agree close it hard.
I have found that if it doesn't fully latch, press down fairly hard on it then hold down the boot (trunk) open button on the remote. There is then a "thunk" and it opens.

 

[DaaS]

The trickle charger cable is the biggest culprit of my trunk issues...View attachment 43346

Off-topic, but you could put a towel on the trunk and run the trickle charger cable through the slot below the rear window. That’s what I have been doing.

 

[Atlantis Blue Emira]

Off-topic, but you could put a towel on the trunk and run the trickle charger wire through the slot below the rear window. That’s what I have been doing.

Exactly what I do, is a little hassle to set up but then won't have to worry about trunk wires being damaged or trunk issues

 

[LuckysDad]

EXCELLENT idea! Thank you gents.

 

[SONOFEMERY]

The slamming method works pretty well: doesn't have to be slammed so hard that you feel like you're going to shatter the rear glass, but has to be slammed hard enough to double latch. Not ideal but works.

However I prefer just pushing it down softly: close the hatch, and about 2 or 3 inches in from the tip of the ducktail, in the very center, I give it a solid push down with my body weight. Feels like the more gentle option to me.

 

[912Matt]

The slamming method works pretty well: doesn't have to be slammed so hard that you feel like you're going to shatter the rear glass, but has to be slammed hard enough to double latch. Not ideal but works.

However I prefer just pushing it down softly: close the hatch, and about 2 or 3 inches in from the tip of the ducktail, in the very center, I give it a solid push down with my body weight. Feels like the more gentle option to me.

Agree, this is the method I use; 2 parts, close first (not slam), then ‘lean’ on it using body weight. Have to say I’ve had my car just over a year, and the mechanism might have softened up a bit, as doesn’t give me any issues now like it did for the first few months

 

[Blackthought_]

Agree, this is the method I use; 2 parts, close first (not slam), then ‘lean’ on it using body weight. Have to say I’ve had my car just over a year, and the mechanism might have softened up a bit, as doesn’t give me any issues now like it did for the first few months

Ahh that’s good to know. Do you lean on it with your body weight where the latch is? (I imagine like you are doing CPR)

 

[912Matt]

Ahh that’s good to know. Do you lean on it with your body weight where the latch is? (I imagine like you are doing CPR)

Yes, lean where the latch is - much like CPR, but without the electric shock part

 

[EMG]

Exactly what I do, is a little hassle to set up but then won't have to worry about trunk wires being damaged or trunk issues

 

[EMG]

It took me a few minutes- but the gap under the rear window is perfect to run the cable without crimping the wire in the rear hatch.

 

[PsymonR]

Aside from making sure you have closed the hatch properly it can also be worthwhile making sure you're careful with the key, I've found that the buttons can be easy to accidentally press and have pocket activated the boot release on the key before, leading to the warning on the drivers display - though it does seem better now I've put one of the leather cases on it.

 

[CHEESE]

For those running the cord through the gap under the window... are you still connecting to the battery through the trunk/boot or are you going through the engine bay?

 

[Subw00er]

Hold it halfway open, then persuade it down firmly - more on the slam side than the gentle side.