I just added the power hatch release to my '90 bird and I was surprised to find the plug under the dash waiting to be plugged into the switch, also in the rear there was a wire to plug in the solenoid.

It isn't working though..did I miss a relay or fuse somewhere that I need out of the donor vehicle?

 

This might sound like a stupid question, but do you have a ground connected to the chassis off the harness/hatch release in the back there?

 

I'll double check, but I think all grounds were already attached to the body and the solenoid probably grounds through itself.

 

My hatch release will release the hatch but then it will not lock again,
But if i use the key to open the hatch it locks right up, correctly

 

I have no voltage at the solenoid when the switch is pushed. There is a plug with I think pink wires under the dash panel under the map pocket and I'm wondering if that may be a place for a relay? Although it doesn't match the colors on the switch.

Anyone know the plug I'm talking about? Do you have a relay in there?

 

check the fuse box, might have to add a fuse since it didn't have it. checked for power at the switch

 

Matt, The fuse is suppose to be a 20A Acc or Ctsy, all the slots are full on my panel.


From what I tracked down in some schematics it looks like there is to be a relay behind the instrument panel (right side), now would it be logical to think if the switch plug was there the relay would be also? Keep in mind this car didn't have the hatch release from factory.

Can anyone verify this from experience, I hate to tear mine out to find out it's there and I'm still looking!

 

i thought the relay for the hatch pop was in the console. believe its held in with a push fastener to a bracket off the floorpan, or maybe the middle console brace?
been so long since ive had the car in pieces.

 

Strangly enough, my hatch wont pop unless my e-brake is pulled. I know on an automatic car, it wont pop unless you are in park. There are wires that go to the neutral safety switch that when you swap to manual you have to twist together.

But there is more to the circuit than just a switch and power back to that solenoid. There are safety measures. Im not aware of a relay...but I know in my Jeep, there was a harness for foglights, but no switch, no lights, and no relay for the lights. So ide track the supposed relay spot down and see whats up. When I had my 86 and 87 interiors out, I never spotted a relay, so its probably under the dash somewhere.

J.

 

Mystery solved

This MISSING relay is located under the panel under the map pocket.

It is a "regular" size relay, 3 wires (orange, black, black W/white).

I found some other boxes and plugs that I'd love to know what they go to sometime

Anyway thanks for your efforts