My passenger side buttress pin won't release. Hadn't had any problem whatso ever (wasn't sticking or anything) now all of a sudden, it will NOT let go. Took it to the dealer who's only open to 2pm on Saturdays doing mostly oil changes, tire rotations etc, they looked at it and said I'd needed to bring it back during the week when they can call GM tech. Seems as though it's not even "clicking". It's as if whatever activates the release latch in the hole isn't getting the signal/message. Top it off, I have my briefcase in the trunk...

I know some folks have had issues with either side sticking, a little oil/lube is the fix. This appears to be more serious. Anyone else had this problem? I'd rather tend to it myself if at all possible. Kid at the dealership said something about they'd likely have to drop the rear axle assembly and the fenderwell liners to gain access. Seems like they can/should go in by removing the plastic panel behind the seats? I just got my clunk repaired I'd hate for them to mess with the rearend and have the clunk resurface.

GM might need to consider some sort of manual latch release in case the electronic release mechanism fails. Good thing I didn't leave my cell phone in my briefcase!

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Loaded Sly w/two-tone
Ordered 9/6/05 -- P/U 1/14/06
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96 Cobra 4cams/32valves/Vortech Enhanced
04 Infiniti Fx35 Family Hauler
Graphite Sky loaded, black/red delivered 7/12/06
VOMS order on RL Sky (sliver blk/red) placed 5/30

There are a couple possible ways in. From a previous thread (January 2006) here is the "no electrical" way into the trunk.

It is also possible to "pop" the buttress with a special tool the dealership may have.

The issue could be cable failure, cable adjustment or actuator failure. Would doubt it is BCM related.

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INFORMATION POSTED ON SITE
Any GM Solstice Service Manual and Service Bulletin information found here on site, or Sales and Product information should be thought of as correct and accurate as of the date posted. After that any information or procedure should be confirmed as still correct with your dealership.

I just did a google search looking to buy this tool but couldn't find a seller.
If anyone knows a place could you post the link or PM me. Sounds like it might be a handy thing to keep behind the seat just in case.

Thanks all.

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KEvin#20175

Indifference will be the downfall of mankind, but who cares?

Thanks SD, it's good to know this ground has been traveled, and that the rear end assembly won't need to be removed (just didn't seem right). I'm sure GM Tech will walk the local guys through it. Feeling better....

__________________
Loaded Sly w/two-tone
Ordered 9/6/05 -- P/U 1/14/06
-------------------------------------------
96 Cobra 4cams/32valves/Vortech Enhanced
04 Infiniti Fx35 Family Hauler
Graphite Sky loaded, black/red delivered 7/12/06
VOMS order on RL Sky (sliver blk/red) placed 5/30

look at the inside of your buttress..inside the car, you will see a metal cable attached to a linkage that hold the rubber seal against the window, that is the cable that releases the buttress, it should be very thight/flexed, if not it has come off its track and needs to be reposhioned in that track.

by pulling the cable from inside to make it tight, try releasing the trunk with the remote, the buttress should pop out now.be sure your trunk is closed first.

you can see the cable in this pics, look at outside part of the buttress, the cable should be tucked away in a chanel, that is what keeps it tight and spring loaded and pulls on the buttress.

http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=9/25313533546.jpg&s=x4

i have seen a picture before on this forum...look for it.

You can pop the buttress with a L shaped dental pick - stick it below the seal and hook onto the wire that holds the buttress locked - pull toward the center of the trunk deck. The ultimate problem may be a loose Bowden cable which operates the hold in wire. Does the trunk lid pop up?

Ron

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Ron

Sly/ebony leather/MP3/Power Pkg./Premium Pkg./Convenience Pkg./ABS/Stick
VIN117129

http://www.spxkentmoore.com/ is the company that GM dealerships get these types of tools from. It is a Kent Moore designation, J42214-A


Looks like is started it's life as a headrest removal tool first required for the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire (J Body). Dealerships should have received it as part of their 1997 essential tool shipments. Should be floating around some where at the dealership.


coiran's description of the dental tool is better then mine of the car tool. But sounds like it is trying to accomplish the same thing.

__________________
INFORMATION POSTED ON SITE
Any GM Solstice Service Manual and Service Bulletin information found here on site, or Sales and Product information should be thought of as correct and accurate as of the date posted. After that any information or procedure should be confirmed as still correct with your dealership.

The trunk and other buttress pin "pop" just fine. I'll see if I can't find/make something to manually disengage so I can at least get my briefcase out. Looks like the dealer will have to repair either way.... I'm going to get me one of those tools for the glove box (unless whatever I come up with works)

__________________
Loaded Sly w/two-tone
Ordered 9/6/05 -- P/U 1/14/06
-------------------------------------------
96 Cobra 4cams/32valves/Vortech Enhanced
04 Infiniti Fx35 Family Hauler
Graphite Sky loaded, black/red delivered 7/12/06
VOMS order on RL Sky (sliver blk/red) placed 5/30