Questions and Answers

1988 Tempo Trunk Lock

Q. I would like some info on the way to replace a trunk lock in a 1988 Ford Tempo.

Thank you,
Randy

A. That's pretty easy to do. First thing you have to do is remove the latch. There's three screws that have to be taken out. If there's a wire going to the latch, remove that as well. Then remove the support and bracket. Pull the lock retainer and pull the lock assembly out.

Just reverse the procedure to put it back together. The hole the lock assembly goes into is keyed so it will only go in one way. Mark the latch with an awl or other sharp tool so you can put it back with little or no adjustment.

It should only take you about an hour or so. What you might want to do is take the new lock to a locksmith and have him re-key it to use the same key as the other locks. Otherwise you will have one key just for the trunk.

Latch Assembly - Illustration