Dave Kitch

Inserted my emergency key into rear bumper cylinder and turned hard clockwise and trunk did not pop open. Broken cable?

DMK

CP

Stronger hand.

MarkMeHopeful

I've heard some say they had to use pliers to turn the key hard enough that it works.

sTz

I read that it’s hard to turn as it’s cable operated, not electronic. At least you have it. My ‘24 doesn’t…

Jwillems

Sometimes it will still turn but the key might not be in all the way it won't open unless the key is all the way in.

Vetteman Jack

If that is the case, GM really screwed things up.

psollitto

The key is very hard to turn. I keep a 2.5" long 10/24 bolt in the hide-a-key box to use as a lever.

Dave Kitch

Thanks all

DMK

JerryU

Yep, may be one reason they eliminated it for the 2023/2024 MYs!

My electric release failed on my 2020 C8. Both Tech and I had to use the key to get in. He had to order parts and replace! There was a report of a cable breaking. BUT in my case was so hard to turn, was afraid the mechanical key might break the FOB where it is attached! So I got large pointy nose plyers and gabbed the key near the FOB. I probably had to open 10 times that way as I waited for parts to arrive and Tech to replace the whole mechanism. Never had an issue after. BTW, try the mechanical key to open the driver's door. Also hard to turn.

SIDEBAR
Listened to the Steve Garrett Podcast with Tadge, Joss Holder and Harlen Charles "defending" what was probably a bean counter decision to eliminate the mechanical key for 2023 / 2024 MYs. The probability of failure is low BUT what to do IF? They said the bulletin that came out saying drill a ~2" inch hole in the hatch should not have been written. It was said a tech can remove the right rear tire, somehow cut a small "slit" in the tire inner-well and slip a Slim-Jim in and grab the kiddy release handle.

Sounds good BUT so far have seen NO DETAILS on how that is done. Doubt if my tech has any idea! Nor does he probably have a Slim Jim! Perhaps in the GM Online Service Computer info?

I have looked at several of the DIY approaches posted.


My Thought


Idea I like best. Have looked at my E-Ray and probed the right rear grill. Not sure what I am feeling. It is what I can 'feel' with a wire in the slots in the truck inner rear liner. Not confident "drilling a hole" thru whatever I feel (appears to be two layers of whatever) is so simple. So far during warrantee we'll let a tech use the GM nonpublished solution if opening release fails.



But after warranty looks like it will be on my dime!

thebroz1138

huh. I had to use mine once and it wasn't hard to turn... I did make sure the key was all the way home in the cylinder before turning.