200 trunk wont open, even when manually pulled
 

hi, The trunk on our 2104 200 is not opening. The mech works, and I have even climbed in the trunk and pulled the rip cord, but it does not open. I have to get outside, have someone pop the switch and I have to yank it. I am wondering what to check to trouble shoot it. Perhaps it is not aligned correctly?

1) I am guessing the gas shocks are not fully charged, but still... and the spring under the catch bar is still strong. I put a screw driver in the lock mech to simulate the catch bar and it pops right out on pushing open.

Hoping someone else has had the same issue and Can help.

Suspect the latch is binding and not releasing fully. Suggest spraying white lithium grease into the latch to possibly free it up. If greasing does not correct the problem it may be necessary to replace the latch.

There is no adjustment, just a pair of 10mm bolts and wiring connector. Latch is the same for 2013 to 2014 but suspect is identical for 2011-2012 but part number changed (latest revision is AF for all years). Would not rule out 2008-2010 Sebring/Avenger as a suitable replacement as the 2011 200 was a facelift and styling update but latch would need to be visually checked out.

Possible an auto salvage yard or pick-n-pull nearby has part available. Typical price is likely around $30. The latch is the same as in the 2011-2014 (or possibly 2008-2010) convertible but convertible has a section of cable for decklid key cylinder. Cable is easily removed in the yard with torx driver (can't recall the size but suspect T20).

I had a failing latch motor on my 2014 convertible and pulled a 2013 latch from a sedan. Simply swapped in the convertible cable and installed.

FIXED: The latch mechanism was pushing to hard on the catch pole. I wedged a screwdriver between the trunk hood and the latch mechanism and bent it down ever so slighly... (towards the ground. Works fine now.