Trunk suddenly won't stay open

[axplayer]

2009 Genesis sedan with 4.6. I searched and didn't find this, but suddenly my trunk won't stay open. You have to lift and prop it up with something. The struts (is that what they're called?) on each side are intact, but could one or both suddenly fail? It was not a gradual thing. On one opening it worked fine. On the next, it's like you're lifting dead weight. Thanks for any insights. If there's a quick fix, I'd love to hear it. Otherwise off to the dealer for some warranty work. Once for them to tell me what I already know and order the part. Once for the install!

 

[Mark_888]

2009 Genesis sedan with 4.6. I searched and didn't find this, but suddenly my trunk won't stay open. You have to lift and prop it up with something. The struts (is that what they're called?) on each side are intact, but could one or both suddenly fail? It was not a gradual thing. On one opening it worked fine. On the next, it's like you're lifting dead weight. Thanks for any insights. If there's a quick fix, I'd love to hear it. Otherwise off to the dealer for some warranty work. Once for them to tell me what I already know and order the part. Once for the install!

It is not unusual or hood or trunk struts to fail. If it is still under warranty, don't mess with it.

 

[QuantumRift]

One or both of the gas struts has failed. Easy fix, especially under warranty. Not uncommon for struts to fail...especially if one gets over-pressurized at factory (not uncommon but can happen), seal(s) can fail. Also, as they are pressurized, at altitude it's harder for seals to remain, well, sealed... like a baloon you blow up at sea level, then take to altitude....less pressure, causes more expansion of the balloon until potential failure.

Overall, sounds like a bad seal in one of the struts.

 

[computiNATEor]

My mom's 2011 V6 sedan is also having this problem. Overall, it's not too difficult of a repair to DIY.

The trunk struts are Hyundai part# 81771-3M000, and as of this writing the Genuine Hyundai parts are ~$30 USD/each on eBay. There does seem to be an aftermarket solution; Sachs, ~$15-20 USD. The trunk strut I removed today was made by Stabilus, the same manufacturer of my BMW's hood and trunk struts. As these two parts failed in less than 70,000 miles and just 7 years, I'm switching manufacturers to Sachs to see if I have better luck there. My BMW's Stabilus struts in the hood and trunk are both very strong, so I don't know why the Hyundai part should be any different, but I can't have the car taking out my mom's head.

To replace the trunk struts, you'll need a trim rivet prying tool, a long-ish, thin-ish flathead screwdriver, a standard flathead, and an 8mm and 10mm socket.

Begin by removing the visible trim rivets that hold the trunk carpeting up on the sides by the taillights with the prying tool. Remove the trunk floor and remove the two small sound insulation pads on top of the rear unibody rails. Remove the trim panel that surrounds the trunk latch by removing two 8mm fasteners and the trim rivets. Pull up, and it will pop free. Remove the visible luggage anchors with the 10mm fasteners. By carefully bending the trunk carpet, you can see the trunk struts attaching to the trunk arms. Use the thin flathead screwdriver to release the metal clip that holds the strut onto both "ball" joints. Replace the strut, attaching it to the trunk bulkhead first to ease installation. Reassembly is the reverse of disassembly.

I recommend doing one side at a time. Have a prop rod or broom or rake handy to keep the trunk from smashing your noggin when the struts are removed and replaced.

 

[petersil]

i have a 2012 Hyundai genesis v6.
the truck just opens maybe 6 inches and i have to pop it open.
do i need new struts.?
will it open all the way up after installation of new struts?
bought car second hand so i dont really know if this is normal or not

 

[PMCErnie]

i have a 2012 Hyundai genesis v6.
the truck just opens maybe 6 inches and i have to pop it open.
do i need new struts.?
will it open all the way up after installation of new struts?
bought car second hand so i dont really know if this is normal or not

Your TRUNK is operating normally.

 

[change741]

On my 2011 Genesis and 2014 Equus the piston struts were weak. Easy to replace, but on both, the trunk lids do not push them up to full open position. The new parts just make it easier to push/pull it open to full open position.