To pop up the cover for the top when it is down there is button on the dash, and the two cables at the back seats.
The button on my dash works some of the time. Is there a wiring schematic anywhere or some sort of relay/interface that might have a loose connection somewhere.
I know the car has to be parked.

 

yes, id like to see a scematic of this. i have to repair mine as well.

 

The schematic is in the Service Manual for your particular year and model of car. Get one at www.helminc.com.

Are the solenoids firing and the tonneau latches not releasing or are they not firing at all?
If the solenoids are not firing when you oress on the switch, it could because the pull-down unit is not working properly or has been jerry-rigged. The tonneau switch won't work if the hatch (trunk) is open or if the striker-sensing switch isn't sending the proper signal that the trunk is closed.

Lon

 

Helms would have the conv schematic, OK.
I will check the trunk pull down, that makes the most sense. It works but maybe has a dirty or barely touching contact.
Ok, I just looked and the pull down unit has 4 contact pads but only the outside 2 are used and they show lots of contact.
This time the tonno popped, next time it doesnt I will push the trunk lid down and try it.
Thanks

BTW this car appears unmolested so I think the wiring is ok.

 

The contact pads you mention have nothing to do with the pull-down unit. They power the HMSL (high-mount stop light) aka third brake light.

Lon

 

No it won't list the schematic for the tonneau. But just use the schematic they show for the hatch release. ASC just used that switch for the tonneau latches instead of the hatch release solenoid. If they are firing, just not releasing, then the J-hooks just may need to be adjusted a bit.

I have the manual for a '88 & -91 bird, but not for a '86. Don may have one.

Lon

 

Ours are 89's

So this "relay" is somewhere under the pull down behind the plastic trunk trim?

They either fire or not. When they do fire one side hangs up but thats because the J hook short leg is too long for the space between the latch and a rivet on the top frame assy. You can see where both hooks have been rubbing for years, but the one side i adjusted until it hit the inside of the latch and it still hits the rivet at the 90*bend of the J hook.

 

I just went out and tried the dash button and nothing, like no battery, so I pushed down on the trunk lid a couple of times and tried the dash button and the cover popped.
So, if a single try means anything it is something in the pull down.

 

It sounds to me like you trunk lid pulldown is not sensing that the trunk is
closed. this was designed so you would not try to open the tonneau when the trunk was up the result of which would be disaster.

Most likely your problem is not with the solenoids or relay but with the interlock at the trunk latch.

Speedy

 

The part in question is the striker-sensing switch. Discontinued by GM, but I have reconditioned ones available. The switch is attached with a single hex-head screw to the latch. It includes all the wiring for the pull-down unit. Just swap your hatch pull-down relay to the new striker-sensing switch assy.

Lon Salgren

 

Lonsal,

Is the schematic for the tonneau available in a picture to View? Does this include the tonneau switch on the console & relay (from ASC) located under the console by the parking park? This then would use a combination of the orange wire (hot) to relay, Parking brake wire to relay, and tonneau wire to switch correct? Any thoughts?

 

Fixed my problem,
Removed the assembly and after a little study tried this.
Shortened the skirt on a vacuum line cap (small soft rubber cap) and slid it over the top of the plunger on the "hatch closed" switch. And it works.
I guess the switch was just a little short and wasnt always making closed contact. I guess the mounting bracket on the switch could be bent, but I didnt want to move the switch any closer to the edge of the mechanism it is in.
Works now anyway.

 

I've only seen two cars in the pick-a-part yards with that switch. I think they used them only on early 'verts. I suspect they just used the striker-sensing switch after that just as the coupes to sense if the hatch (trunk) was open or closed.

Lon

 

Never mind wasn't important anyway.....