chaosseeker

I just tried closing my trunk of my 91 Firebird, and the motor took it down, but not all the way, because a box was in the way. I took the box out from the inside of the car, and released the latch. Now it wont latch again. I might have shorted it out, but I dont know. Any suggestions? And sorry if this has been asked, I looked around on the forums.

Hotdogstand

see if your latch is stuck closed. This happens on my driver door periodically. Normally is bounces back open and I have to manually reopen the catch.

chaosseeker

Alrighty, I know its not closed because I got it to latch, but its not water tight. So, Ive been calling around and asking for the part. Is there a way for me to test it? Because I cant seem to find the fuse for it, and I tried disconnecting it and plugging it back in, to no avail. Any more suggestions? Thanks for the help anyways Hotdogstand, I appreciate it.

82 Iron Duke

iTrader: (21)

PM lonsal, he is the expert on this matter, he is also a MOD!

lonsal

iTrader: (2)

To solve the problem I first need to know which of the two styles of pull-down motor you have. Early 1991 model year used the metal frame, late 1991 used a different style with an injection molded tan colored plastic frame. I suspect yours is the older metal frame.

Lon

chaosseeker

It is the metal frame.

lonsal

iTrader: (2)

Good. If you didn't break something, this is how you re-set it. Reach in and press on the striker-sensing switch. As you face the pull-down motor from the rear of the car it will be just in front of the latch. You'll see a spring-loaded black slider on the right, the switch is on the left. The pull-down motor ONLY powers down when that switch is being pressed. If the switch is released mid-cycle the motor will shut off. Hold the switch down until you hear the CLICK. That is the reversing switch being tripped, shutting off teh down-cycle. Now release the switch and the unit should power all the way up and CLICK (again the reversing switch being tripped) shutting off the up-cycle. The fuse for a Firebird is an inline fuse adjacent to the fuse panel. On Camaro it is in the #3 slot (top row, third column from the left). If this doesn't solve the problem, remove the hatch surround trim panel and disconnect the red/white stripe wire from the blue wire. Test the red/white stripe wire for constant +12v. Inspect the clear plastic part of the pull-down motor (called the motor housing) for breakage or cracks. Also grab hold of the latch assy and check for up/down motion (indicates a broken motor housing) or front to back and side to side movement (indicated bad guides). You may have broken your gear nut. The symptom of a bad gear nut is that the motor constinuously runs, yet the latch portion won't go up or down. Check the Tech Article I wrote on this site on how to dosassemble the pull-down motor to repair the guides, gear nut or motor housing. I also list all the GM part numbers.

Lon

82 Iron Duke

iTrader: (21)

Told you he's the pro, now I bet if he only had a nickle for every time he answered questions about pull downs he would be RICH

chaosseeker

Here are some pictures. The metal looks like it got bent. If you need more pictures of different parts just ask.

lonsal

iTrader: (2)

Getting the correct solution requires the correct answer. Throw away all the info I gave you previously.

You have the second version with a tan plastic frame. You've bent up the spring-loaded latch release. You're looking at buying another pull-down unit.

Lon

chaosseeker

Alrighty, sorry I didnt give you the right answer Lon, I thought it was the one I said. At least I put up pictures huh? Anywho, I already called around, the only place that had it was the Pontiac dealer..... Thanks for all the help everyone, especially Lon!

lonsal

iTrader: (2)

Come see me if you want a better deal than your dealer. I don't show them on my web site, but I have some of the 1991-92 pull-downs too. Glad to help.

Lon