Remote Trunk Release Questions?

[Gonzo]

I have installed the remote trunk release on my 914. It opens fine. But it's hit & miss when it comes to closing. Any ideas as to why it won't close all the time?

[DK914]

My remote release (operated by a button under the dash, by the fusebox) opens fine, but the trunk latch solenoid does stick in the open position. I just pull up on the solenoid pushrod every time I want it to latch. Actually, this comes in handy at the golf course, because I can close the trunk without latching it. After 18 holes, I can then open the trunk without having to get inside, put the key in the ignition and hit the button. Downside: trunk is unlocked, so someone might steal my jack and carpet!

[TFI]

DK,

where are you from? want to go golfing? i need a jack for my car...
I need to get my car set up with a release for the trunk somehow. i have the rear reflector on it, but no way to open the latch mechanism. it's in perma-unlocked mode, so all i have to do is lift. all that i have in there is some extra coolant. like anyone will expect that to be in there.

[oredith]

TFI (Jim?),
just wire up a line into the engine bay like sam (turbo) has.. i don't know the specificson how he connected it up, but it looked pretty simple, maybe he can get a picture for you. the nice thing is that it'll be mechanical, so no electrical problem like i had when the wire decided to disconnect itself, nd if you put the latch in the engine bay, they can't get to it unless they can get in the car to pop the lid.

sam just has a plain wire going to it now since he's planning on an electrical hook up, but if you go with the mechanical, i'd imagine you can hook up the line with something like a manual choke cable to make it look nicer..

just some thoughts,

Jeff

[Neal Colingham]

I visited a guy who had a wire hooked to the latch that went straight down and exited behind the bumper. just reach down and pull to unlatch.

[TFI]

Sam, if you're out there... think you could describe what (Jeff?) is talking about? I appreciate the help. oh yeah, Oredith, it's Jim. did you get your starter kill working?

[oredith]

Hi Jim,

I gave up on the starter kill.. wasn't really worth it to me.. besides, my car's got the "chameleon" security system.. 8^)

sam's email address is sammyg2@earthlink.net
he should be checking the PP bbs daily though..

Jeff

[turbo2.0]

Thanks alot, Jeff. That was a top secret, patented hatch release copied directly from the B-2. Now I got to kill you. It just so happens that I recieved my trunk release solenoid in the mail today. Thaks Wayne and everyone at PP. Hows that for kissing up?
The temporary way I had hooked up worked well. It was simply a strong wire, (stainless steel in my case) that hooks up to the trunk release mechanism. It runs to the engine compartment through the plastic cup that is stuck in the trunk to hold the front targa latches. The cups just pop out, run the wire through, then pop the cup back in. Put a loop in the end. Just open the engine cover, reach under, pull on the wire. The trunk is open. Down side is that it belongs squarely in Disneyland, it can get in the way of stuff in the trunk, and it draws a croud of CW's shaking their heads. I plan on running a 1/8" wire rope the same way as an emergency back up. I will hide it by taping it under the trunk opening lip, and only use it in an emergency. Either that, or I may run it under the carpet. Either way, I will try to hide it the best I can.

[TFI]

thansk for the help.

where does the solenoid mount? does it come with a new trunk latch, or does it use the old one? i've got some solenoids off of electric door locks from other cars that i can use, so i might manufacture my own personal set up for this.

-jim-

[turbo2.0]

The solenoid bolts onto the existing latch. No other modifications are required. I will take some pictures and send them to you if you want.

[TFI]

pictures would be nice. thanks! if you do them digitally, i prefer jpg format.

[Gonzo]

Ok guys, I'm still wondering if anyone would happen to know why the trunk opens fine but doesn't close? It's getting juice because I can hear it popping in the solenoid but I can't get it to close the trunk. Any suggestions? Thanks

[Mark_B]

Well, you *might* have a broken spring on the latch mechanism. Pull it and check. Also check the alignment of the solenoid bracket and check the finger acutator to make sure it is not bent or sticking. While you are there check the solenoid to make sure it moves in and out freely.

[TFI]

if you want another latch, i have a couple extras. you could see if that helps.