PIC6461

Bulletin No.: PIC6461
Published date: 06/14/2022
Preliminary Information
PIC6461 Information on the Elimination of the Rear Compartment
Lock Cylinder
Models
Brand:
Chevrolet
Model:
Corvette
Model Years:
2020 - 2023
VIN:
from
All
Engine:
to
All
All
Transmissions:
All
Involved
Region or North America
Country
Some customers or dealership technicians may notice that the rear access mechanical lock cylinder
(located behind the rear license plate) has been eliminated for the 2023 model year. Questions may be
Condition asked about this option and future serviceability of the rear compartment when a loss of power has
been encountered.
Starting with the 2023 model year, the rear access lock cylinder has been eliminated from all Corvette
models. This lock cylinder will only be found on 2020-2022 model year vehicles. The rear fascias still
have the provision for the feature, but there is no cylinder installed, as seen in the photo below.
Concern
Correction:
When servicing any C8 generation Corvette (2020+) the customer may have a situation where they are unable to
access the rear hatch area/rear compartment. Depending on several options, the repair may be one of several
di erent approaches.
If you need to access the rear compartment on a 2020-2022 model year Corvette:
Attempt to open the rear hatch /rear compartment using all 3 electrical methods. Try the interior switch, the
exterior touch pad, and the key fob. This will electrically command the rear hatch/rear compartment to release.
If these three methods do not work, remove the rear license plate and this will expose the rear lock cylinder
through an access hole in the rear fascia. In the photos below, the lock cylinder can be seen, as well as how to
insert the mechanical key, which is housed in the key fob.
Remove the key shank from the key fob, insert it into the lock cylinder, and rotate. This should mechanically
release the rear hatch / rear compartment. If access is still not gained through the back up mechanical method,
see the section later in this document titled, "Accessing the rear hatch / rear compartment with a seized up latch."
If you need to access the rear compartment on a 2023+ model year Corvette:
Attempt to open the rear hatch /rear compartment using all 3 electrical attempts. Try the interior switch, the
exterior touch pad, and the key fob. This will electrically command the rear hatch/rear compartment to release.
There is no alternate method to gain access to the rear hatch / rear compartment if these attempts do not work.
The vehicle will have to be damaged in order to open the rear hatch / rear compartment. See the section later in
this document titled, "Accessing the rear hatch / rear compartment with a seized up latch."
Accessing the rear hatch / rear compartment with a seized up latch:
Note: Following this method WILL result in damage to the vehicle's hatch or rear compartment lid, among other
parts. Be certain to determine if this is warranty, customer pay, or an insurance job BEFORE the next steps are
completed. Make sure the method of payment is understood by both the dealership and by the customer,
BEFORE attempting the actual repair.
First obtain a 3" hole saw for the following procedure. Send the vehicle to a body shop as needed. Starting at the
trailing edge of the rear hatch / rear compartment, measure forward 3 and 1/2". Make this mark at the
centerline of the panel. This will be the center of the hole that will have to be drilled into the panel. This will place
the pilot hole location right in a portion of the stingray emblem when it has been positioned properly. Drill a 3"
hole through the rear hatch / rear compartment panel. This will allow the technician to lift the rear panel
upwards and the small 3" cut-out portion of the panel will stay attached to the rear latch / striker assembly. The
servicing technician will then have access to the fasteners that hold the latch to the vehicle and can continue
servicing the vehicle from there.
Warranty Information
Version History
Version
Modi ed
1
PIC6461 - Created on 06/14/2022
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