CDNIcecube

Sorry to resurrect a 2-month old thread. I had the same problem on my new to me 1999 986 base 5-speed. I can hear the mechanism move but the trunk opens automatically with the key buttons only about 1/3rd of the times on the first try, and never on any immediately following try. It seems I have to wait and open the trunk with the Incar lever once before having any chances of being able to open it with the key buttons. So I open everything to get to the locking mechanisms. Carpet, brackets, etc.... I gave up after 1-hour, trying to take out the rear spoiler. This system is way over-engineered! But here is what I learned from the experience. The in-car lever pulls a wire connected to the latch and unlocks it. Ok. The key OTOH operates a small actuator which is connected to a rod, which Is connected to the same locking latch. Once activated, the actuator pulls on the rod which pulls the latch and opens the lock. I believe compressed air also has something to do with this system. Is this correct? I noticed compress air lines connected to the rear spoiler seem to also be connected to the latch mechanism(???). Or, Is it possible the actuator is too "weak" and works only 1/3rd of the time? I lubed everything last night and this morning, it worked on the first try and once more, after a long ride, but didn't work other times today. Oh well. If working on the car is such a PIA, this does not bolt well for me. I hope other systems are not as over engineered and are easier to work on. Man, who thought of putting such latch mechanism behind a large metal bar that is not accessible without removing the rear spoiler, and perhaps bumper...worse then working on...gulp, a French car! ;-)