Tool for troubleshooting hidden problems

[dave_rupp]

First time posting - - - Hope everything is OK!

Several years ago I converted my motorcycle into a trike. Ever since that time I have had trouble getting the trunk lid latched. I had to push very hard many times before it would stay latched. I got to the point of not using it because it was so hard to close. I have tried numerous times over the years to adjust the mechanism. I finally came up with the idea of putting my GoPro camera in the trunk with a bright LED lamp to actually see what was happening and maybe figure out how to fix the problem. After the third attempt I finally figured out the required location to see the problem. I wrapped a narrow piece of “hook” from “Hook and Loop (Velcro)” around the camera and stuck it to the carpeting on the trunk door with the lens aimed at the latch mechanism.

The video shows the post mounted on the door deflecting away from the latch when closing. The bevel on the post is causing the problem. The post is welded in place and can’t be extended so I shimmed the latch mechanism closer to the post and the problem was fixed.

Once I was able to identify the problem it was easy to fix. The camera also showed me that I had a built-in light inside the trunk that I was never aware of.