Toyota Picnic Boot Lock Won't Unlock

February 2, 2014

Hi, I tried to unlock the boot of my Picnic, but the handle won't move and it won't unlock. I've tried checking fuses, no luck. When I tried to remove the back panel to look at the lock itself, but can't - it seems you need to open the boot to remove the panel. Can anyone help?

February 7, 2014

Hi, I had the same problem a few weeks months ago. When I went to open the boot the handle part that you squeeze felt like it wasn't there (if that makes sense). Essentially the spring within the handle mechanism had ceased, stopping the handle returning to its normal positions. I suspect a similar thing is going on for you. The fix was to (standing out side car as normal) use a flat kitchen knife to coax the handle back out and then spray a load of WD40 up into the boot handle. This should free the mechanism. open and close the boot and spray more WD40 a few times and this should do the trick. Mines been fine since. Good luck! let us know if it works.

May 17, 2014

I have had exactly the same problem for months now with a 1997 Picnic.

To activate the lock you will have have to restore it to its correct position by pressing on a small lever underneath and to the left of the handle. Personally, I haven't needed to use a blade or anything else just my fingers. I have attached three photos which show the wrong position for the handle, where to apply pressure and where the handle SHOULD be.

You will find that this problem arises most frequently if you try to open the boot before unlocking the doors - you MUST unlock the doors first or the handle will get stuck and you will have to ease it back into position with your fingers. I always restore the handle to its correct position immediately after opening the boot door.

I have a feeling that there is some sort of pneumatic pipe rather than a spring involved; I have tried copious amounts of WD40 but it hasn't helped. The correct solution is undoubtedly to gain access to the lock but I haven't so far been able to work out how to remove the interior boot door lining - can anyone help out here?