BlueAlice91bird

So.....Is there a way to hmmmmmm engineer a hatch release button for my car without actually having to find the real stuff. I've already got the power pull down, I just want to do it without pulling something out of the junkyard or paying outrageous prices at the dealer.

Belker

I would guess the power hatch mechanism would have two wires coming from it for the switch. If you touch those two wires together then the mechanism should activate. Find a momentary contact switch and connect it to those two wires. (I've never had mine tore apart to see how everything actually works. I do know that the switch has two wires and that it is a momentary contact switch).

okfoz

I think there is also a relay for power for the rear hatch.

John



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Belker

Yeah ... I agree ... probably uses a relay. I'd use a relay if I was installing a power hatch pulldown in a car that originally didn't have one. Is it built into or located next to the mechanism? Or located somewhere else? I don't know.

BlueAlice91bird

No, no, guys you misunderstood, I've allready got the pull down, I want a release up by the driver seat that way I don't have to take out my keys every time.

lonsal

iTrader: (2)

I swapped my entire pull-down assy for one with the solenoid. But some have mentioned swapping just the solenoid onto their units. Of course you will need the other items the relay, switch and have to run the wiring. I found a trunk release switch from a 80's Caprice in a Pick-A-Part and used it. It is mounted in my center console for a little more security (since mine is a 'vert). I also snagged the wiring from a coupe to make the installation easier. The results are will worth the effort. Good luck, Lon.

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okfoz

I still think all you need is the solonoid. I seem to remember that there is just one bolt holding the thing on. then you need the relay & switch.

John

Drew

iTrader: (58)

Go read my tech artical. The hardest part is finding the right switch, and switch bezel. The wiring is all already in the car, the solenoid is about $17, the relay is a standard GM horn relay $12 from GM. The time involved is about a half hour start to finish. Even if you have to buy the switch (~$45), bezel(~$20), relay, and solenoid all from a dealer it'll still cost less than $100.

For general info, the solenoid is a 1 wire solenoid, as its bolted to metal is already grounded. If the car didn't have A90 stock, it won't have the solenoid. The fbody solenoid is different than the typical generic GM solenoid because of the way the lock mechanism is setup. The factory Firebird switch for 1991 is at least a 4 wire switch, but with some hacking you could use a 2 wire switch.

If you have any questions I can be reached by email.