How to adjust the trunk tension of a Civic?
3 Answers
First, open the car trunk. At the corner of the trunk, use your hand to peel open the rubber strip, then remove the interior trim panel to reveal the position of the tension spring. The tension setting of a new car is usually at the first normal gear. If the opening and closing force of the trunk lid is insufficient, you can adjust the tension to the second or third gear according to your needs. If the trunk hydraulic strut lacks tension, take it to a car repair shop for servicing. The hydraulic strut must not be disassembled, as doing so may cause harm to the body and lead to pollution.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and it's common for the Honda Civic's trunk tension to be difficult to adjust. For adjustment, the main focus is on the trunk lid's support rods, which are usually either gas struts or torsion spring systems. The Civic's design is relatively simple, and you can perform manual adjustments: open the trunk lid, locate the connection holes or slots on the support rods—there are typically several positions to choose from. Loosen the fixing screws or clips and try moving the rods to different holes to test the tension changes. Moving the rod toward the interior increases the tension, making the lid open more forcefully, while moving it in the opposite direction reduces the tension for a gentler opening. When adjusting, test the opening and closing several times to ensure safety. If the support rods are aged or dirty, their performance may be affected, so remember to regularly lubricate the joints with WD-40 to prevent sticking and rust. If the tension is uneven or completely fails, it might be due to gas leakage in the struts or spring fatigue—simply replacing them will solve the issue, and affordable parts are available at auto repair shops. Doing it yourself saves time and money, but be gentle to avoid sudden lid drops and potential injury.
As a Civic owner who enjoys DIY projects, adjusting the trunk tension is quite straightforward. Here are the detailed steps: First, park the car securely and use wooden blocks to support the trunk lid as a safety precaution. Most Civic support struts are gas-charged—inspect the mounting points to locate the adjustment holes. After loosening the fixing bolts, carefully move the strut head to an adjacent hole to test the tension. Moving it toward the rear of the trunk increases the tension for faster opening, while moving it forward reduces tension for more controlled opening. After each adjustment, open and close the trunk 5-6 times to confirm the force is optimal. Safety tip: Wear gloves to prevent scratches and ensure the work area is clutter-free. If the tension is too weak, it might indicate worn seals or gas leakage—try applying lubricant as a temporary fix, but replacement may be necessary. The Civic's design is DIY-friendly; just keep a wrench and lubricant handy, and you can complete the job in about an hour—saving money while gaining new skills.
