Trunk unlock button pushed in.Advice needed.

FX_dave

Member
Location
montreal
The small little button on the chrome molding to unlock my trunk is pushed in.Can I fix that myself?
The dealer said they have to order and replace the whole molding.I tried getting to it by removing the plastic panel from the inside but couldn't reach it.

Thanks for any help.
 
Fxlr8 is the one of the members in here who can help you with that problem, he removed this chrome molding and painted it black. I'm sure he'll chime in.



By the way ... Welcome to :iS:.
 
Fxlr8 is the one of the members in here who can help you with that problem, he removed this chrome molding and painted it black. I'm sure he'll chime in.



By the way ... Welcome to :iS:.

Thanks.
I was a long time member of a nissan/infiniti forum with no DIY and tech until I found out about IS.
 
Sorry for not using the search by the way .. (laziness) .. I found this.

Rear Hatch Chrome Trim Removal - InfinitiScene.com
 
Welcome FX_Dave, hope you get your issue fixed. But I would think you can but a new piece and do the replacement yourself. Good luck.
 
Sorry for not using the search by the way .. (laziness) .. I found this.

Thanks for the link.
I saw that repair manual page before.Thing is,when i remove the plastic panel.I can only see 2 bolts when the manual shows 4.A big portion of the chrome molding(from inside) is covered by another large metal panel.I didn't wanna try removing that,looks too complicated.
 
it's a pain to remove it, even after you get the 4 screws out, it is held in with clips that are very tight, scary to remove without making any marks or scratches...

the problem with your button is that the tiny metal plate that holds it rusts & deteriorates & then gets week enough that a firm press of the button will make the whole thing sink into the opening, I'm sure you can fix it if your creative after you take it apart, but I would suggest hunting ebay for a replacement before hand just to be sure, I got one for under $100 & they do come up from time to time...
 
Dave, what year is your FX35? I had the same issue. The main cause for that problem for my situation was the little back plate that was glued to the switch and the screws holding the plate the chrome molding, were rusted very badly and the little plate broke into pieces.

I can barely screw the new switch to the same place. Some silicon will be helpful.

I got mine switch from the dealership for $70 CAD. I believe it will be cheaper in US.

Like what turbocad6 said, removing the molding is a really hassle. :squigglemouth:

Two more screws are hidden under the black silicon like glue, if I remembered correctly.


The new generation FX, I meant 04 or 05+ has that metal powder coated, so 04+ owners should not need to worry about that problem. :2smile:
 
Last edited:
Dave, what year is your FX35? I had the same issue. The main cause for that problem for my situation was the little back plate that was glued to the switch and the screws holding the plate the chrome molding, were rusted very badly and the little plate broke into pieces.

I can barely screw the new switch to the same place. Some silicon will be helpful.

I got mine switch from the dealership for $70 CAD. I believe it will be cheaper in US.

Like what turbocad6 said, removing the molding is a really hassle. :squigglemouth:

Two more screws are hidden under the black silicon like glue, if I remembered correctly.


The new generation FX, I meant 04 or 05+ has that metal powder coated, so 04+ owners should not need to worry about that problem. :2smile:

Mine is an 2004.You said the dealership sold you the switch without the molding for 70$? Mine wants 350$Can for the molding and switch + 150$ for installation.I knew they were ripping me off.
 
Probably models after 04 have the switch plate powder coated.

You don't need to purchase the silver molding. You just need quite a bit of time to take it apart. You need to take the panel of your trunk door off. Then locate the screws holding the molding and then take it off (If I remembered correctly, there are 2 or 1 screws hidden under the black glue like thing). And then replace that switch.

If the screws were rusted and couldn't be taken out. Drill them out. Either silicon your switch or just sand it or find whatever way you can screw the switch in place. Use a bigger screw if it is required. That what my friend did to mine.

I would really suggest you take the molding off first and take a look of the screw status.

You should ask around. For mine after tax was 74 something CAD from the dealership (Auto West Infiniti). Don't bring your car to the dealership. They will try to rip you off and they can never get the job done right. If you know any mechanics, bring it to them.
 
Last edited:
The small little button on the chrome molding to unlock my trunk is pushed in.Can I fix that myself?
The dealer said they have to order and replace the whole molding.I tried getting to it by removing the plastic panel from the inside but couldn't reach it.

Thanks for any help.
Apparently, this is a very common issue due to rust. The part was over $300 for the button (90605-CL00A) at the dealer and another $200 to install. Chances are they would also want me to purchase a new trim molding since it is almost impossible to remove the rusted screws without melting down the plastic where the screws fasten to. Drilling out the old screws causes too much heat. Since my button still worked, but there was no bracket left to keep it in place, I had nothing to lose by shaping a piece of thin aluminum angle to fit snuggly into the trim and bonded it all together with JB Weld. It's not pretty looking but when I put it all back together, you won't know the difference. It works now. And that will be the last time that button disappears back into the trim. The hardest part is removing the inside door panel without scratching it. Then you have to locate (4) 8mm nuts that hold the trim on. One nut hidden behind some small electrical box that will need to be removed.
 

Attachments

  • DSCN2696.JPG
    DSCN2696.JPG
    227.1 KB · Views: 13
  • DSCN2698.JPG
    DSCN2698.JPG
    222.6 KB · Views: 12
Back
Top