I replaced my brake light bulb on the rear driver's side (left rear when looking from behind) and when I removed the lens assembly to get to the bulb, I noticed the end of a thin cable wire underneath some sticky black tape. This was lying flat right behind where the lens assembly sits. I traced the wire to the center engine lid locking device. The wire is neatly routed through plastic fasteners and it looks stock. Could it be just the tail end of the wire cable after it was connected to the locking device? I looked in the owners manual and there is no reference for it. Additionally, when I changed the right side brake bulb last year, I did not see this cable or tape so it is only on the left side. Any thoughts on this? My car is bone stock witn no accidents. Thanks in advance for your thoughts on this...

 

Yes, that's the emergency cable to open the engine compartment, I believe there is another spot to access it on the right.

 

Hi there, is the wire accessed through the wheel well fender, like the manual cable is for the front compartment ?

 

Exactly what it is - I've pulled it and it works...but if you ever needed it how do you remove the tail light to get to it if the compartment cover is closed??

 

Thanks for the info on this mystery cable. Amazing how the owner's manual doesn't mention it.

I have the same question that jhbrennan has: If you need to use it, how do you get to it?

The engine compartment lid has to be open to remove the light assembly and then the cable is right there. With the engine compartment lid closed, how do you get your hands on this cable? Underneath the car somehow? Reaching underneath the inner rear wheel well where the black plastic liner is?

 

I think you get at it under the bumper cover on the rt side.

 

Assuming your battery is dead and you need to access the engine compartment:

Step 1: Insert Key into drivers door and open manually.

Step 2: Remove Fuse Panel door by dead pedal.

Step 3: Attached to fuse panel door is a thin but rigid wire with a hook (L-shape).

Step 4: Use wire to "fish" the emergency release out.

Step 5: Pull.


There is also an emergency Fuel Door release inside the passenger door.

There is also an emergency Bonnet release, similar to the trunk, but I do not remember where its at. Under the one of the headlights? It's not well publicized. Actually maybe that one in the passenger door is for the bonnet. I'll have to go yank on it.

 

Great info from KK Moto. On step #4, where do you start fishing for the wire? Underneath the tail lense? Is there enough clearance to get in there and snag it?

 

Yes, the wire & the clearance is very small. IIRC it is under the drivers side tail light.

Just keep fishin, you'll catch it.

 

Thanks KK Moto!