I have a 1987 Iroc Convertible that is in storage up the road a piece. I like to read the articles on thirgen and have noticed some discussion about trunk pull down motors. I have been in and out of the trunk on my car and never noticed any type of assitance by a motor. Can someone tell me if my car is equiped with, and if so, what a trunk pull down motor is supposed to do? Also how do I use it? Thanks in advance

 

Look between the two window buttons on your centre console and if there is a switch between the 2 window buttons that is the trunk release switch. Push back on it and it will release the trunk lid.

The same goes when you lower the trunk lid down to the lock. You don't slam down the lid but push it down far enough for the trunk pull down motor to catch it and lock the rear hatch lid. It works well with remote transmitters (hatch release) so you often don't have to use a key.

Your vin# can tell you if your vehicle came wi that option.

RPO option code is A90.

 

Thanks for the reply, I know it is a stupid question. The switch in between my window switches on the center console is my tonneau release switch. I suppose my car does not have a trunk pull down motor. Thanks again

 

Not a stupid question. Ya sounds like you have a tonneau switch there. Seems like many of the vert guys are interested in installing as hatch motor. I belive there are some "how to install hatch motor & switch" in the convertibles section.

It works well and it's pretty sweet to see some of the facial expressions from friends when you hit a button and it pops up, or when it locks itself.

 

The pull down units are prone to fail. When they fail the latch mechanism still works just like a manual system. So, if you haven't had the car since it was new, it may have been broken when you got it.

Take off the big plastic trim piece covering the hatch mechanism in the trunk. It should have two trim screws near the hatch mechanism and four big plastic "screws" in the corners.

You should you see a big electric motor attached to the hatch mechanism. Look at the housing near the motor, it is probably broken. Also, check the guides in the metal tracks, they are probably broken as well.

Lon at Top Down Solutions can get you back running for $100 or less depending on what needs to be replaced.

Check the convertible forum for more help.

Trick414

 

What you've written is correct for Camaro coupes (hardtop & t-top) equipped with the optional solenoid hatch release. For cars converted into convertibles by ASC that switch you describe was re-wired to pop the tonneau solnoids. Firebirds have the optional hatch release switch on the dash.

Evan, check out the Tech article I wrote on repairing the 86-87 & 88-91 hatch pull-down units that is posted on ThirdGen.org.

Lon