Discussion
I have a 1983 Porsche 911, and the engine lid will not opening. The release lever in the passenger door seems to be working but feels stiff. I have tried having one person pull the release lever while another presses down and sideways on the engine lid, but it did not work. Does anyone know if there is a second release lever for the engine lid behind the rear lights (brake light), or any other idea how to open the dam engine lid?
monty37 said:
I have a 1983 Porsche 911, and the engine lid will not opening. The release lever in the passenger door seems to be working but feels stiff. I have tried having one person pull the release lever while another presses down and sideways on the engine lid, but it did not work. Does anyone know if there is a second release lever for the engine lid behind the rear lights (brake light), or any other idea how to open the dam engine lid?
Quick plan to get that 1983 911 engine lid open (practical steps + safe options)Short answer: many classic 911s (including SC-era cars) have an emergency release/cable that runs under/behind one of the rear tail-lights (typically the left/driver side on many cars) you can access it by removing the tail light or its cover and pulling the emergency cable. If that s not accessible, other options are: reach the latch from below (remove muffler or reach past the tin), push/stretch the rubber gasket and push the latch, or remove part of the taillight/bumper trim for access.
Below are step-by-step actions you can try (ordered from least invasive ? more invasive), tools you'll need, and safety cautions.
Tools you may want
Philips/10 mm socket (for tail-light bolts)
Flat screwdriver and plastic trim wedge / panel tool
Penetrating oil (WD-40 or similar)
Long needle-nose pliers, long screwdriver or small pry tool
Rag, latex gloves, safety glasses
Jack and stands (only if you ll get under the car)
A second person (for pulling release while you manipulate the lid)
Step-by-step actions
1) Try the push-and-pull trick again but vary directions
Pull the interior release while someone firmly pushes down and simultaneously tugs the lid toward one side (left, then right). The latch sometimes sticks and needs a little twist rather than just straight down. Spray a little penetrating oil at the gap around the latch (don t soak the paint) and try again. Forums report this sometimes frees a sticky latch.
2) Locate and pull the emergency release behind the taillight
Most reports for 1965 89 911s say the emergency engine-lid release cable is routed under/behind the rear tail light (commonly the left/driver side). Procedure (typical):
Open the engine lid if it opens slightly if it s fully stuck, proceed anyway.
Remove the single bolt holding the tail-light assembly or the small cover behind the light (10 mm or Philips). Carefully pry the light/cover out a little don t force the lens.
Feel/fish around behind the light for a cable or loop pull it firmly to release the latch. Use pliers if necessary but protect plastic.
Once the latch releases, lift the lid and inspect the latch/cable.
Notes: exact side/location can vary by year/model and left/right for RHD vs LHD, but many owners of SC-era cars report it under the rear light. If you can t find it behind the left light, check the right some examples show the small emergency loop under black covers near the tail light.
3) Reach the latch from below (less cosmetic risk than bodywork)
If the taillight route fails, jack the rear, support on stands, and try to reach the latch area from under the car or by removing the muffler (muffler removal gives good access to push the latch manually). People have had success pushing the latch catch from below while an assistant pulls the release. This is more work but avoids drilling or cutting.
4) Peel back the rubber edge / reach through engine-lid vents
Some owners report you can push past the rubber gasket at the bottom edge of the engine tin (or through the grille/vents) to reach the latch and manually trip it while someone pulls the release. This can work if the catch is just sticking.
5) If all else fails: remove small body panels or a tail light for direct access (or call a pro)
If you re still stuck you can remove the taillight entirely or drill a small, carefully-placed access hole (last resort) to reach the latch, but those are invasive and affect cosmetis. Many people at this point call a Porsche specialist or tow to a shop rather than risk damage. Forums strongly recommend being careful to avoid cracking lenses or bending the lid.
What to inspect once you get it open
Latch alignment and wear adjust the striker/lock nut if misaligned.
Condition of release cable (frayed or stretched) replace if damaged.
Lubricate the latch and moving parts and test several times before closing.
Warnings and tips
Don t yank or lever on painted body panels that causes damage.
Work slowly when removing lenses; trim clips can be brittle on older cars.
If you re uncomfortable jacking the car or removing the muffler, get a professional body damage and injury are real risks.
After opening, fix the root cause (stiff latch, corroded cable) so it doesn't re-happen.
It sounds like you’re dealing with a common issue on older Porsche 911s where the engine lid latch can become stiff or partially seized. On a 1983 911, there isn’t a secondary release lever behind the rear lights; the only release is the lever in the passenger door. If the lever feels stiff, it’s possible that the cable has stretched, frayed, or corroded, preventing the latch from fully disengaging. One approach is to spray some penetrating lubricant (like WD-40) into the latch mechanism at the rear of the car while operating the interior release lever. Then, gently lift and wiggle the engine lid side to side, sometimes the latch just needs a bit of movement to free itself.
If that doesn’t work, you can access the latch directly:
1) Remove the rear bumper or tail light assemblies to get a clear view of the latch mechanism.
2) Locate the latch at the center of the engine lid opening.
3) Use a long screwdriver or small pry tool to gently move the latch lever inside the mechanism to release the hook. Be careful not to bend the latch or the lid.
4) Once released, lift the engine lid slowly and check the latch for wear or corrosion. Lubricate the cable and latch thoroughly to prevent the same problem in the future.
Following this method usually allows you to open the engine lid without causing damage, and it’s a good opportunity to maintain the latch system so it operates smoothly.
If that doesn’t work, you can access the latch directly:
1) Remove the rear bumper or tail light assemblies to get a clear view of the latch mechanism.
2) Locate the latch at the center of the engine lid opening.
3) Use a long screwdriver or small pry tool to gently move the latch lever inside the mechanism to release the hook. Be careful not to bend the latch or the lid.
4) Once released, lift the engine lid slowly and check the latch for wear or corrosion. Lubricate the cable and latch thoroughly to prevent the same problem in the future.
Following this method usually allows you to open the engine lid without causing damage, and it’s a good opportunity to maintain the latch system so it operates smoothly.
davidwalton857 said:
It sounds like you re dealing with a common issue on older Porsche 911s where the engine lid latch can become stiff or partially seized. On a 1983 911, there isn t a secondary release lever behind the rear lights; the only release is the lever in the passenger door. If the lever feels stiff, it s possible that the cable has stretched, frayed, or corroded, preventing the latch from fully disengaging. One approach is to spray some penetrating lubricant (like WD-40) into the latch mechanism at the rear of the car while operating the interior release lever. Then, gently lift and wiggle the engine lid side to side, sometimes the latch just needs a bit of movement to free itself.
If that doesn t work, you can access the latch directly:
1) Remove the rear bumper or tail light assemblies to get a clear view of the latch mechanism.
2) Locate the latch at the center of the engine lid opening.
3) Use a long screwdriver or small pry tool to gently move the latch lever inside the mechanism to release the hook. Be careful not to bend the latch or the lid.
4) Once released, lift the engine lid slowly and check the latch for wear or corrosion. Lubricate the cable and latch thoroughly to prevent the same problem in the future.
Following this method usually allows you to open the engine lid without causing damage, and it s a good opportunity to maintain the latch system so it operates smoothly.
What years do have the emergency release cable - I halve a 1989 and this is somethign I've worried about as the normal release is pretty stiff!If that doesn t work, you can access the latch directly:
1) Remove the rear bumper or tail light assemblies to get a clear view of the latch mechanism.
2) Locate the latch at the center of the engine lid opening.
3) Use a long screwdriver or small pry tool to gently move the latch lever inside the mechanism to release the hook. Be careful not to bend the latch or the lid.
4) Once released, lift the engine lid slowly and check the latch for wear or corrosion. Lubricate the cable and latch thoroughly to prevent the same problem in the future.
Following this method usually allows you to open the engine lid without causing damage, and it s a good opportunity to maintain the latch system so it operates smoothly.
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