Simple, do all F bodies use the same pull down motor? I've seen several listed on ebay for 2 wire plugs only and mine has 4 wires but I'm about to double check that. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

There are different units.

For example, the '92s and maybe some of the 91s as well are different than the earlier pieces.

This is my understanding.

 

I believe the models with the power latch had the four wires versus the two just to push the latch up and pull it down ... dont quote me though i may be wrong

 

That makes sense since mine has the power hatch release. I didn't get a chance to get the rear panel off and look yesterday but I'm thinking that the main connector is a 4 wire plug with 2 wires for the release and 2 for the pull down. I guess I'll have to call my Pontiac dealer and see if they can still get one.

 

There were three versions of pull-down unit. 1986-87 is functionally interchangeable with the 1988-early 91. Those versions have a metal frame and weigh over 6 lbs. I could go into great detail of what the changes were, but as I wrote already they are interchangeble. The only functional difference is that the 86-87 have a large white plug on the blue power wire compared to a small black plug on the blue power wire for the 88-91. Swap the plugs and they'll interchange. Not counting the optional hatch release solenoid (which is powered on a different circuit than the pull-down motor) there are just two wires to hook up. The blue wire connected to a red with white stripe wire to provide constant 12v. The black ground wire connects to the ground location on the body. on 1990-91 they used the white wire to switch on and off ground to the rear hatch light. Earlier model eyars have a manual hatch light switch. That white wire connects to a black with orange stripe wire. The remaining wires which plug into the reversing switch and the hatch pull-down relay are all part of the striker-sensing switch. If your wiring is buggered up, just replace the switch and you'll get the complete wiring loom for the pull-down unit too. Here's the crazy thing. The thicker gauge black wire that plugs into the end of the hatch release solenoid is the positive wire. There is a smaller gauge wire that goes from the 10mm screw that attaches the solenoid release to the pull-down latch assy to the ground location on the body. If that wire is missing the solenoid won't work, since it is electrically isoplated from ground by the guides in the tracks.

Late 91-92 is easliy distinguished by having a plastic frame that is tan colored (where it bolts to the car), weighs just under 3 lbs and is not interchangeable with the earlier versions.

Yes, last I checked you can get a new pull-down unit from GM. Or I can sell you a remanufactured one or all parts to rebuild yours. I hope this answers your question.

Lon Salgren
Top-Down Solutions

 

Thanks very much, that helped alot. I've got a new one along with a new plastic housing on the way.