How to Fix a Cadillac Seville's Trunk Lid-Pull Mechanism

by Robert Moore

Failure of the pull-down motor that seats your trunk lid is actually common -- and that goes for all Sevilles built from 1986 until Cadillac replaced the Seville with the STS in 2005. If you have a 1986-to-1999 Seville, the pull-down motor is attached to the trunk-lid striker on the body. If you have a 2000-to-2004 model, the pull-down motor is an integral part of the trunk lid latch, which you have to replace as an assembly if the motor fails.

1986-to-1999 Models

Step 1

Open the trunk lid. Find the two cargo net hooks on the rearmost trim panel of the trunk. Turn the hooks counterclockwise to unscrew them from the body. Lift up on the trim panel with a slight jerk to disengage the retaining clips. Remove the trim panel.

Step 2

Disconnect the wiring harness from the pull-down motor. Remove the pull-down-motor bolts with a socket and ratchet. Remove the pull-down motor and striker from your Seville.

Step 3

Install a new motor and striker. Tighten the bolts to 18 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Plug in the wiring harness. Observe the striker and wait for it elevate to it's highest setting. Install the trim panel. Tap the trim along the horizontal mounting area to engage the retaining clips. Install the cargo net hooks and snug them. Shut the trunk.

2000-to-2004 Models

Step 1

Open the trunk lid. Locate the 10 push-pin retainers on the trim for the trunk lid. Slide the clip removal tool under one of the retainers, then pry it out from the trim panel. Remove the rest of the retainers. Remove the trim from the trunk lid. Don't worry if any of the plastic retainers break -- you can find them readily available at most parts stores or your local dealer.

Step 2

Lift up on the locking tab of the emergency release handle. Slide the handle out of the "T" shaped slot in the trunk lid.

Step 3

Pry outward on the two locking tabs that secure the lock cylinder release cable to the lock cylinder-- there is one on each side of the cable fixture -- with a flat-head screwdriver. Slide the cable off the lock cylinder.

Step 4

Disconnect the wiring harness from the latch assembly. Remove the two bolts that secure the latch to the trunk lid, then remove the assembly from the trunk lid.

Step 5

Install a new latch assembly and tighten the retaining bolts to 18 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench. Install the wiring harness to the assembly. Observe the assembly and wait for it to adjust itself automatically to the open position.