Trunk lock problems

Lazycats · Aug 23, 2016

Hi, all! I've seen some posts on here regarding issues with the trunks on Freewheelers not unlocking. Is this still an issue? I have a 2016 and haven't needed to lock the trunk yet, and now I'm worried that I shouldn't lock it, for fear I won't be able to unlock it. Hoping Harley fixed the problem.

Finally Harley! · Aug 23, 2016

My 2016 is one that recently got stuck locked. A real inconvenience. The HD spec fix, done by the dealer, is to locktite the 2 screws that hold the [HIGHLIGHT]latch[/HIGHLIGHT], (one fell out which was why it wouldn't open), and zip tie the cable to the bracket which holds it.

Finally Harley! · Aug 24, 2016

I just want to add that in my case, and others I have read about, it's not the lock mechanism itself that's the problem, it's the [HIGHLIGHT]latch[/HIGHLIGHT]. So just closing the [HIGHLIGHT]trunk[/HIGHLIGHT] lid, without locking it, is how I got locked out.

Otis · Aug 24, 2016

Trunk lock issues

Correct reports. It is not the locking mechanism. Even "unlocked", the [HIGHLIGHT]trunk[/HIGHLIGHT] can refuse to open. While covered by HD, this situation requires removal of right side wheel and fender, and then as said before a zip tie fix - which just isn't the best answer to anything permanent. The process involves time so wet items or perishables become quite a nuisance waiting for the dealership; especiall if you are on an extended trip when it happens. It appears this should be added to the inspection list for routine maintenance; thread lock and zip ties "before" the disaster strikes.

Jack Klarich · Nov 26, 2016

IMO poor design, I grease my latches with white lithium grease and check the bolts

Bill G · Nov 27, 2016

A drop of blue lock tight on the threads snug it all up and your good to go. Check on a regular basis if the lock or latch come loose and fails have fun getting in the trunk. I did this on our 2015 Freewheeler the first day home when it was new. The lock and latch bolts were loose slightly barley tight from the get go. They were still good and tight when we traded the Freewheeler in on our 2017 Tri Glide a few weeks back.

(Check and blue lock tight the latch and the lock mechanism bolts on each ( also zip tie cable in place to be safe) and it should be free sailing after that)

Also check the lid and hinging bolts, retractable stop strap as well all of them were slightly loose on our 2015.

Ride Safe All,
Bill G

vito · Nov 27, 2016

The [HIGHLIGHT]latch[/HIGHLIGHT] mechanism on my 2017 is different than the one on my 2015. The latter came zip tied (and thread locked ??), perhaps thanks to the dealer or a HD pre-delivery fix. The new one has a plastic cover. I still check for any looseness whenever opening the [HIGHLIGHT]trunk[/HIGHLIGHT]. So far haven't found any problem.

trikemom · Jul 4, 2017

2015 trunk latch issue

As today is the 4th of July, I suspect I'm up the creek. But here goes.... Went to the meat market last night for today's dinner ( a couple nice racks of baby backs). Got home and CANNOT OPEN MY TRUNK. Stayed up till midnight trying to no avail. So today, we are looking for ways to get it open as all the local Dealers are closed and I have rotting meat in my trunk (a whole different issue to deal with :aggressive

. Anyone have pics of how to get the tire off?

Freewheeling Ron · Jul 4, 2017

What a bummer. I'm going to check the latch bolts on mine now, and probably never put anything perishable in there again. Or something you need, like liquor.

rhino 2 · Jul 4, 2017

trikemom said:
As today is the 4th of July, I suspect I'm up the creek. But here goes.... Went to the meat market last night for today's dinner ( a couple nice racks of baby backs). Got home and CANNOT OPEN MY TRUNK. Stayed up till midnight trying to no avail. So today, we are looking for ways to get it open as all the local Dealers are closed and I have rotting meat in my trunk (a whole different issue to deal with :aggressive. Anyone have pics of how to get the tire off?

Welcome to Trike -Talk... Sorry your first post has to be about meat in the trunk ...

But hang around someone will have some info to help you out of the meat locker....

Again...Welcome ....:wave4:

LadyonaMission · Jul 4, 2017

Renee, sorry about your trunk. Meanwhile, welcome to TT.

orag:

Freewheeling Ron · Jul 4, 2017

I checked mine this evening. About a third of the bolts were very tight, the others I tighten just a bit. I'll be keeping my meat in a cooler.

"Does all this meat in my trunk make my FW'ers butt look fat"?

consitter · Jul 5, 2017

Freewheeling Ron said:
What a bummer. I'm going to check the latch bolts on mine now, and probably never put anything perishable in there again. Or something you need, like liquor.

A big 10-4 to that!!