Broken latch bar on 2003 GL1800 trunk

[theredark]

Good evening all,

My riding buddies 2003 GL1800 has a broken trunk latch. One of the latch bars broke in half and he was able to remove the broken piece. Now the light is on all the time on the dash and it doesn't lock. He is reluctant to work on anything so I figured this would be a good thing to show him he can do this. I ride an older Valkyrie so I'm used to fixing and modifying everything! I don't have a service manual but looking at the parts diagrams it only looks like it's two screws holding the latch bar in. Is this correct? Do I have to remove the inner liner to get at them? Anyone done this?

Thanks.

Brad

[PastoT]

By the term latch bars I'm guessing you refer to the two U shaped metal rod pieces bolted inside the trunk upper lid that extend downward. That sounds silly but I can't imagine one breaking in half, I have a well worn 2002 and am going to take a closer look now. Yes only 2 screws hold each in place. It may be that screwing the good one on the bad side will work to trigger the open trunk switch to work again and hopefully the truck will lock. Will probably have to manufacture or order a replacement piece. These are screwed into ABS plastic stubs molded as part of the trunk lid's outer hull, so take caution not to strip/cross thread them in the process.

While you're in there snug the 2 screws holding the latch mechanism in the lower trunk (two screws in holes just above the key hole). When these work loose the latch fails to close and the resulting slamming of the trunk may result in damage and the trunk signaling open and failing to secure.

[theredark]

Thanks for the quick reply. Yes it was the U shaped piece of metal that broke. I ordered him a replacement part which I should have by this weekend. I'm hoping once both pieces are working the trunk will latch and light will go off.