Trunk Lid

Complete removal and installation of the trunk lid assembly on a 2009 Aston Martin DB9, including hinge disconnection, support strut removal, and alignment procedures.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trunk lid (if replacing) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trunk lid hinge fastener set (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Open the trunk fully and prop it in the open position
2. Protect the rear bumper and surrounding bodywork with a soft blanket or protective covering
3. Clean the hinge area to identify all fastener locations
4. Have your assistant ready to support the trunk lid weight throughout the procedure

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark hinge alignment positions
   With the trunk lid fully open, use a marker or grease pencil to carefully trace the outline of both trunk hinges where they meet the trunk lid. Mark the hinge position on both the lid and the body-side hinge mounting points. These reference marks are critical for proper realignment during installation.
2. 2

   Disconnect trunk lid wiring harness
   Locate the wiring harness connector(s) that route from the body into the trunk lid for the license plate lights and the boot latch/release actuator. The main connector is typically located near the hinge area on the driver's side. Press the locking tab and disconnect the harness. Carefully route the harness free from any clips or guides in the trunk lid. Note: Locate the wiring harness connector(s) that route from the body into the trunk lid for the trunk lid electrical components (such as license plate lights and the latch/release actuator). Verify the actual harness contents against the Aston Martin workshop manual, then trace and disconnect the connector(s) near the hinge area, noting their exact location for your specific vehicle. Note: Locate any wiring harness connector(s) that route from the body into the boot lid (e.g., for boot-mounted lighting or latch components). Verify the actual harness contents for your specific vehicle before disconnecting.
3. 3

   Disconnect washer fluid hose (if equipped)
   The 2009 DB9 is not equipped with a rear window washer system, so no washer fluid hose is routed to the trunk lid. Skip this step. Note: The DB9 is not equipped with a rear window washer system in the trunk lid, so no washer fluid hose should be present. If any fluid hose is found routed into the lid, verify its purpose against the workshop manual before disconnecting. Note: The 2009 DB9 is not equipped with a rear window washer system, so there is no washer fluid hose to the boot lid. Skip this step unless your specific vehicle has an aftermarket or model-specific hose routed to the lid.
4. 4

   Remove gas strut lower mounting fasteners
   Have your assistant firmly support the trunk lid weight. Locate the lower mounting point of each gas strut (where it attaches to the body). Remove the fastener securing each strut lower mount (verify retention type — Torx, ball-stud, or spring clip — against the Aston Martin workshop manual before removal). Confirm the exact Torx/fastener size at the lower strut mount against OEM documentation before proceeding. Carefully control the strut as it releases. Note: On this platform, verify the gas strut lower mount retention type and fastener size against the Aston Martin workshop manual before removal, as it may use a Torx fastener, ball-stud, or spring clip. Note: Verify the Torx size for the gas strut lower mount fasteners against Aston Martin service documentation before removal, as the exact size is unconfirmed for this platform.
5. 5

   Remove gas strut upper mounting fasteners
   With the trunk lid still supported, locate the upper gas strut mounting points on the trunk lid itself. Remove the Torx fasteners securing each strut to the lid. Once removed, carefully set the gas struts aside. The trunk lid is now fully supported by your assistant.
6. 6

   Remove trunk lid hinge fasteners
   With your assistant firmly supporting the trunk lid weight, locate the hinge mounting bolts on each side. Verify the number of hinge-to-lid bolts per hinge and the exact fastener size against the Aston Martin workshop manual before removal. Begin by loosening all bolts slightly, then remove them in a cross pattern to maintain even pressure. Keep these bolts organized as they will be reused during installation. Note: torque in a cross pattern to the OEM-specified value (verify against factory documentation) Note: Confirm the exact number of bolts per hinge and their drive type/size against OEM documentation before removal. Note: Trunk Hinge Bolts (torque value to be confirmed against Aston Martin service documentation) Note: Verify the exact number of hinge mounting bolts per side and the correct Torx/driver size against Aston Martin service documentation before removal, as these are unconfirmed for this platform.
   Torque spec

   Trunk Hinge Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove trunk lid from vehicle
   With all fasteners removed and your assistant supporting the trunk lid, carefully lift the lid straight up and away from the hinge assemblies. Move slowly to avoid contact with the rear bumper or quarter panels. Immediately place the trunk lid on a padded surface with the outer painted surface facing up to prevent damage. Do not rest the lid on its edges.
8. 8

   Inspect and clean mounting surfaces
   With the trunk lid removed, inspect all hinge mounting surfaces on both the lid and body for damage, corrosion, or debris. Clean the mounting surfaces with a suitable cleaner. Check the alignment marks for visibility. Inspect the gas strut mounting points for any damage or stripped threads. If replacing the trunk lid, transfer any necessary hardware from the old lid to the new one.

Reassembly

1. Position the trunk lid onto the hinges with your assistant supporting full weight, aligning with the reference marks made during disassembly
2. Install all trunk hinge bolts finger-tight first, then torque in a cross pattern to 25.0 Nm (18.0 lb-ft) as specified
3. Reconnect the gas struts to both upper and lower mounting points, ensuring proper engagement of all fasteners
4. Reconnect the wiring harness and washer fluid hose (if equipped), ensuring all clips and routing are properly secured
5. Before final torquing, check trunk lid alignment with surrounding body panels and adjust hinge position if necessary within slotted holes
6. Verify even gap spacing around entire trunk lid perimeter and flush fitment with quarter panels and rear valance

Verification

• Open and close the trunk lid multiple times to verify smooth operation without binding or interference
• Check that all panel gaps are even (typically 3-5mm) around the entire perimeter of the trunk lid
• Verify the trunk lid sits flush with the quarter panels and rear body surfaces when closed
• Test the trunk release mechanism from both the interior button and key fob to ensure proper function
• Confirm all trunk lighting operates correctly with the trunk open
• Verify the trunk latch engages properly and holds the lid securely closed without excessive force required
• Inspect for any paint damage or marks that may have occurred during the procedure

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