Was a power trunk release an option on a 1989 IROC convertible? According to my specifications manual, it was only available on a hatchback. Just wondering because my convertible has a trunk release switch on the dash right below the cigarette lighter. It does not work and I am trying to determine if a previous owner tried to add it. Looks factory. I know the release switch on a hatchback is on the console in between the power window switches but as everyone knows, it was replaced with the tonneau cover switch on convertibles. My trunk pull-down motor does have the release solenoid on it but I guess that could have been changed as well.

 

Anyone?? My thought is that GM probably eliminated this option for convertibles so that the trunk lid would not come in contact with the tonneau cover by accident if both switches were simultaneously activated. Opinions??

 

Actually the wiring that would have gone to the hatch release operated the tonneau release solenoids instead. I have added the wiring, switch and solenoid trunk release to my convertible. I hid the switch inside the center console and used the trunk release switch from a mid-80's Caprice which was mounted in the glove compartment on those cars. If you add the solenoid to your convertible to replace the manual trunk release be sure to also add the short ground wire that attaches to the 10mm screw that mounts the solenoid to the latch assy. The other end goes to the body ground location below the pull-down unit. If you don't have the ground wire in place the solenoid will not fire because it is electrically isolated from ground by the nylon guides. Also the black wire and plug that goes into the end of the solenoid is hot. Go figure that GM would use a black wire for +12v, but that is the case.

Lon

 

My old '92 vert had a trunk release switch, but no pull down motor, just the popper for the release. I held onto it all these years too, not even sure why I did...

 

Still got it?

 

Yes, I have it up for sale in another thread in the classifieds. I always take best offer...

 

I feel compelled to inform everyone, the manual latch being shown was used only on late 91-92 convertibles and would work (without modification) only for the same year coupes which had the tan-colored molded plastic frame.

In other words, it will not fit the 1982-85 models (which never had a hatch pull down unit to begin with). More importantly it will not fit the 1986-early 91 models which all came with the style of hatch pull-down unit with a metal frame.

Lon

 

I already said it was from my old '92 vert, thanks...

 

Correct and thank you for that, but did you list the compatible vehicles? I'm not in any way trying to pour water on any potential deal you may make in selling the item.

Another reason I posted what I did is that Paco131405 did not take the time to fill out his member profile, so we don't know what year and model F-body he owns.

Also anyone else with a 86-91 F-body would be disappointed when they discovered AFTER they bought it that it did not fit their car.

Lon

 

I own a 1990 Camaro. Rear hatch was closed and did not open when i bought it. I opened it and now it doesn't close. Did what most people do. Check for blown fuse, see if relay is good, hold the switch down thats behind the latch. Still doesnt budge and it doesnt close. I even had someone in car while i was closing hatch and he told me the striker barely touches the latch. I'd rather install a manual latch.

 

I can help you with parts and expertise on how to repair your hatch pull-down unit. If you'd rather convert it to a slam latch, I can't help with that. Read on if you want to fix it.

Unplug the red/white stripe wire from the blue wire. See if the red/white wire has power. If it has power then either the striker sensing switch or the reversing switch can be the problem.

The striker sensing switch on 89-91 models also turns on the rear hatch light. Is the hatch light working when you open the hatch?

Next to test is the reversing switch. Call me and I'll give you instructions over the phone how to test it.

Lon

 

So this worked with a slam latch? I didn't realize they came like that. My 91 has a slam latch and I'd like to install a popper so I can open from inside the car...still have this?