Guys,

The trunk release and gas release levers are not working. Not a big problem because I can use the key to open the trunk, and as far as the gas cover, I can open the trunk and peel back the interior lining and manually open the gas door. And since I drive the car only on weekends and special occiasions I get a lot of miles out of a tank of gas. But still, just for convenience it would be nice to be able to use the lever.

I will check the cost to fix from my mechanic, but I wanted to check here first and see if anyone had suggestions.

Thanks,

Larry

 

this is a fairly common problem in FC's. the one question that i have for you is this; does the handle move freely or does it just stay stuck? the difference is the solution to your problem. if the handle moves freely, you are probably just disconnected somewhere. if the handle is frozen completely, there may be a problem with the handle itself or with the drive cables that open the door. take the handle off and see if the cable slides. if the cable moves and you can make it pop the fuel door from where the handle connects beside the seat, the problem is with the handle. if it moves, but the door still doesn't pop, you are disconnected somewhere. this could be a free fix if you took a little time out to find what is wrong. there isn't a whole lot to the assembly.

 

wsoape281,

The handle's for both the trunk and gasrelease do move freely. I will try and remove the handle cover and see if it might just not be connected. I will try and do thistonight after work and post what I find out.

Thanks for the advice.

 

the drive cable may be broken also. if so, you may be able to salvage one for cheap. mazdatrix used to carry them, but i can't find one on there now. let me know what you find and i will see if i can find you some cheap parts, if needed.

 

Yup sounds like a broken cable.
It's for sure localized to your cable and handle, because as mentionned, your key works.

I'm sure any type of universal cable will work, no?

 

Guys, I got the gas release handle to work. My mechanic showed me that I had to pull it up really hard and all the way to the end. I was suprised to find how high I had to pull it up, as I thought it would break.

As far as the trunk release, he tried to make an adjustment with the cable, but still could not get it to work. I think I will just use the key for now, as I cannot justify spending money just to have the trunk open from the inside of the car.

 

let me see what i can do for you. i will get back to you on this post.

 

one of my parts sources told me that the dealership is the cheapest aside from finding a part-out. he said that it usually isn't good to buy them used since they deteriorate pretty easy. $45 each new from the dealership.

 

Thanks wsoape281. If I do decide to replace the cable, I will definatly get it new.