Locked trunk keys inside?

Tiny
KHIDR786SUFI
  • MEMBER
  • 1983 CADILLAC SEVILLE
  • 4.1L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 55,000 MILES
I locked the trunk keys inside. I drilled out lock maybe too much. And it did not release lock. Drilling through back seat retaining bolts but have no idea what I might encounter once I get them off.

All instructions said was drill the retaining rivets. I did that and nothing dropped so I continued. I'll probably need a new lid by the time I'm done. And I just got it running after 2 years. I was literally retreating from the heavy sun not thinking clearly and accidentally tossed them in with bolts.

I have no idea what to do.
Thursday, June 8th, 2023 AT 4:07 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
BRENDON S
  • MECHANIC
  • 653 POSTS
Hello KHIDR786SUFI,

My info is telling me your vehicle has a trunk release switch in the glove box, is that correct? Has it ever worked?

If you have one there should be a pink and black wire attached to it. You maybe be able to run 12 volts to the black wire and maybe it will open. Not sure if you tried it or not, or if it has ever worked but I thought it was worth a shot.

Looks like for the switch the black wire runs directly to the trunk release solenoid and is grounded in the trunk somewhere. So, if the solenoid and ground are good running 12 volts to that wire should release the trunk lid.

I will add the wiring diagram for you.

Thank you,
Brendon
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Thursday, June 8th, 2023 AT 11:21 AM
Tiny
KHIDR786SUFI
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  • 5 POSTS
Okay, but there's no latch mechanism through trunk keys hole. It's empty, I can put a jack handle through it. It touches nothing.
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Thursday, June 8th, 2023 AT 3:02 PM
Tiny
BRENDON S
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Hello KHIDR786SUFI,

Okay. So, then it sounds to me you are going to have to remove the rear seats. You said you were drilling out the rivets, how did that go? It might be the only way now if the latch has been damaged.

Thank you,
Brendon
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Thursday, June 8th, 2023 AT 3:23 PM
Tiny
KHIDR786SUFI
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I got one. And what about back seat entry?
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Thursday, June 8th, 2023 AT 5:51 PM
Tiny
BRENDON S
  • MECHANIC
  • 653 POSTS
Hello KHIDR786SUFI,

I was thinking if you remove the rear seats you can get in there like you mentioned in your original post, but I just read a thread that says there are bolts on the back rest that are only accessible through the trunk. What a great idea.

Here is the thread in case you wanted to look at it:
https://forums.cadillaclasalleclub.org/index.php?topic=170042.0

Unfortunately, my information doesn't have any procedures for removing the rear seat that I have found yet. However, I will keep looking for you and will let you know if I find something or come up with something else, we can try.

If you make any progress in the meantime let me know.

Thank you,
Brendon
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Thursday, June 8th, 2023 AT 6:20 PM
Tiny
KHIDR786SUFI
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Yes so, I did get through the back seat and promptly lost those set of keys on the top of a mountain, so now I'm really locked out. It's the old-style keys. Not sure how to proceed.
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Sunday, June 11th, 2023 AT 11:05 AM
Tiny
BRENDON S
  • MECHANIC
  • 653 POSTS
Hello KHIDR786SUFI,

Well glad to hear you got them out of the trunk, sorry to hear you lost them.

I don't know what area you are in but try searching you phone for mobile key service and see if anyone pops up. Someone is going to have to make you new keys on-site. A locksmith might do the mobile thing too. Unfortunately, being Sunday doesn't help.

The only other option is either call a tow truck or take another hike and see if you can find them.

Thank you,
Brendon
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Sunday, June 11th, 2023 AT 12:09 PM
Tiny
KHIDR786SUFI
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Okay, so, do we know if ignition lock is like other GM or is the anti-theft going to be a problem? Is non transponder key.
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Monday, June 12th, 2023 AT 4:34 AM
Tiny
BRENDON S
  • MECHANIC
  • 653 POSTS
Hello KHIDR786SUFI,

If you have a anti-theft system, it looks like it only has the starter cut of relay. I don't see anything that says it cuts off fuel or ignition.

Unfortunately, because of the age of the vehicle my information is very limited.

I have added a wiring diagram for the ignition circuit for you. I apologize it is old and hard to read.

My thought is if you can get the steering wheel unlocked you could jump the starter with a screwdriver to by-pass the starter cut-off relay.

In my opinion a mobile key service would be best since you are going to need the key anyway, but usually isn't cheap.

I know you just did a lot of work to it and got it running again so it would be a shame to have to tear it apart more and cause yourself more work now since the trunk situation.

But that is entirely up to you.

Since it is a bit of a different type of question than the original topic, I would suggest creating a new question so we can get the community involved and see if anyone has any better ideas.

Hope this helps.

Thank you,
Brendon
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Monday, June 12th, 2023 AT 8:30 AM

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