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Adding a remote trunk release solenoid straightforward?
ConvertiblesDiscussed here are problems and solutions to convertible specific questions, including difficult to find part numbers and other convertible tech help.
Adding a remote trunk release solenoid straightforward?
Adding a remote trunk release solenoid straightforward?
I would like to add the remote open capability. Looks like I can just get the solenoid, bolt it on, maybe a little trim removal and wire up a switch. Yes?
Re: Adding a remote trunk release solenoid straightforward?
Probably. On a hardtop/ttop car it's just a matter of plugging in the switch, relay, and solenoid. On the convertibles, I believe the bulk of the wiring is retasked for the tonneau release. Shouldn't really matter, the solenoid grounds through the mounting bolt, and the power impulse is just 12v+ from a relay.
Re: Adding a remote trunk release solenoid straightforward?
I went through this and at first found a couple of the power pull down units that would work with my 92 vert just to get the remote pop option. They worked fine but they would break like all of them do. So I ended up modifying my stock slam shut unit with a electric pop motor from a 4th gen. Between the mod unit and 2 jamb switches I have a great reliable unit with trunk pop on my vert and with wiring in the jamb switches one to the tonneau cover and one on the trunk.There is no way one can open if the other is. I have a couple pics of the unit granted mine is a 92 so they were only this style mid 91 tru 92 I think. I will try to get pics of the jamb switches if ya want
Re: Adding a remote trunk release solenoid straightforward?
Just saw this. So, it's not a pull down, it's a "slam" shut with remote release? If so, I am very interested. I wonder if I can retrofit my 89 to work with a 92 type unit.
Re: Adding a remote trunk release solenoid straightforward?
I like this idea! I was going to replace the slam unit on my 91 with a pull down but this looks like a nicer option. Time to search for a 4th gen remote release unit!
Re: Adding a remote trunk release solenoid straightforward?
For the 87-early 91 'vert it is easier to just swap in a hatch release solenoid and run the wiring. I did it years ago. I use the switch from a 90's Caprice (you'll find it in the glove compartment). I added the switch in the center console so it is out of sight. The center black wire that plugs into the hatch release solenoid is hot (strange they'd use black for hot). You'll also need to add the ground wire that connects from the 10mm screw that attaches the solenoid to the latch. The other end goes to the body ground location below the pull-down unit. Without this ground wire the solenoid won't fire because it is electrically isolated from ground by the guides in the pull-down unit.
Re: Adding a remote trunk release solenoid straightforward?
Originally Posted by Ed1LE
Can you post pics of the jam switches?
Did the 4th gen motor mount to the 92 slam latch without modification or did you have to drill mounting holes in slam latch?
I will try to get some pic tomorrow , and I had to modify it. when u remove the cable with the key release on it you will see a window where the 4th gen pop mec will fit into if you open the window a little. then I cut down the base of the 4th gen piece so it would lay flat and drilled two small holes for the mounting of it. i had to mount the key pop on the back side and used the 4th gen lever cut down so it would work. I may not be explaining the best but if you have everything in front of ya its not that hard to do... Or maybe I just really wanted remote pop with a reliable slam unit lol
Re: Adding a remote trunk release solenoid straightforward?
Originally Posted by 86gn
I will try to get some pic tomorrow , and I had to modify it. when u remove the cable with the key release on it you will see a window where the 4th gen pop mec will fit into if you open the window a little. then I cut down the base of the 4th gen piece so it would lay flat and drilled two small holes for the mounting of it. i had to mount the key pop on the back side and used the 4th gen lever cut down so it would work. I may not be explaining the best but if you have everything in front of ya its not that hard to do... Or maybe I just really wanted remote pop with a reliable slam unit lol
So, I only need to get the pop mechanism and the plug for it for a 4th gen, nothing else is needed from the 4th gen latch assembly, correct?
Re: Adding a remote trunk release solenoid straightforward?
Take that back if you go to the junk yard get the silver rod that goes from the 4th gen hatch key cylinder to the hatch lock shaft ,,looks similar to this
Re: Adding a remote trunk release solenoid straightforward?
So I completed the upgrade. Works like a charm. No pics needed. I bought a typical rear hatch release solenoid setup and it went right in. Ran a chassis ground jumper (I have the pull down which is not connected to the chassis ground) and then a positive 12V switched source. I replaced my tonneau release switch with a window switch. Push forward, tonneau pops up, push back, trunk pops up.
Works like a charm. As as bonus, my car came with a standard aftermarket alarm with typical "four button" remotes arm, disarm, aux 1, aux 2. I wired up the two channel outputs so now my remotes can pop the tonneau or the trunk. Pretty slick.
Re: Adding a remote trunk release solenoid straightforward?
Originally Posted by Tootie Pang
So I completed the upgrade. Works like a charm. No pics needed. I bought a typical rear hatch release solenoid setup and it went right in. Ran a chassis ground jumper (I have the pull down which is not connected to the chassis ground) and then a positive 12V switched source. I replaced my tonneau release switch with a window switch. Push forward, tonneau pops up, push back, trunk pops up.
Works like a charm. As as bonus, my car came with a standard aftermarket alarm with typical "four button" remotes arm, disarm, aux 1, aux 2. I wired up the two channel outputs so now my remotes can pop the tonneau or the trunk. Pretty slick.
Re: Adding a remote trunk release solenoid straightforward?
I like Lonsals method but have a -92.
Would this not work then? I see You have those solenoids available on Your website.
If it will not Work on a -92 what is the trick then?
I noticed It's under five years since last post
Re: Adding a remote trunk release solenoid straightforward?
The early pulldown has provisions for a solenoid? This is a solenoid i got at the JY, i got the hatch switch form a 96 vette and put it where the fog light switch usually goes. The relay is down by the kick panel. 92 is a different animal though, but looks a bit like some trunk/4th gen units, minus the fiberglass board.
Re: Adding a remote trunk release solenoid straightforward?
Well when I read this tread a few times more I understood a bit of what I was asking for already had been answered but new questions came to mind.
86GN has a very good solution here but as I can see the 4th gen solenoid has bolt holes at an 45° angle, Did You grind down the mounting tabs on the solenoid?
I found that mine has an eccentric wheel on the back side used for nothing and thought I could do a search for similar on GM cars around -92 to find a direct fitting Solenoid.
My lock with the eccentric reraward looks like this:
I did not find an actuator that fit my eccentric (I'm sure there are one that fits thou) but I found one that had the cable and solenoid in the same unit. ACDELCO16640852 Should fit the lock cylinder originally in the -92.
But this also had the mounting holes 45°
86GN: Does it hold up good? Do You remember if You did grind down the mounting tabs to get it aligned?
I guess use of the cylinder rod extension also need the other type of lock cylinder, as the 86-92 does not have the slot for the rod? Pre 86 and/or 4th gen?
Re: Adding a remote trunk release solenoid straightforward?
To be honest I do not remember everything I did to get it to fit but
I do know it was not anything crazy. It has worked without any problems since the day I installed it.
Re: Adding a remote trunk release solenoid straightforward?
I would be inclined to include a lockout so if the trunk was ajar, the Tonneau could not be opened, and if the Tonneau was ajar the trunk could not be opened...
I think the cars are already wired so the Tonneau will not open when the trunk is open.
03-30-2017, 11:59 AM
