Install a Trunk release button

[Dodge1063]

Hello everyone. I wanted to know if anyone have a base Lumina or Lumina Ltz that had installed a Trunk release solenoid and button for their car. I noticed i have the whole indentation that would need to cut out under the steering column in my 98 Lumina. I figured it wouldnt be hard to get the solenoid and run wire from the switch to the back of the solenoid. If anyone has done this themselves is there a power cable in the trunk that would power the solenoid in the trunk?

Thanks Guys.

[sad-lumina-owner]

Originally Posted by Dodge1063

Hello everyone. I wanted to know if anyone have a base Lumina or Lumina Ltz that had installed a Trunk release solenoid and button for their car. I noticed i have the whole indentation that would need to cut out under the steering column in my 98 Lumina. I figured it wouldnt be hard to get the solenoid and run wire from the switch to the back of the solenoid. If anyone has done this themselves is there a power cable in the trunk that would power the solenoid in the trunk?

Thanks Guys.

My lumina had the switch and solonoid, but it stuck out and was easily broken off...

I was going to buy a replacement switch, but CanTire doesn't carry it and I just know a dealer will charge $35 for a $1 switch. The square hole/socket in the panel below the steering column is a standard size (for switches).

But the fact is, I've bought dozens of square switches at electronic surplus stores that would do this job. You can also strip them off surplus computer/test equipment. Its only a few amps of momentary current, and almost any switch that size will be rated high enough to handle the power.

This switch has to be a Momentary On switch, that simply closes and completes the circuit for a moment while you hold it in. It does not require a 'self-light' for visibility, that would be overkill here, where you can't see it anyway without sticking your head in your ass.

A momentary on switch, like a dead-man switch, shuts off when you let go.

This will prevent the battery being drained or the solonoid burning out if someone leaves a switch on by accident or carelessness.

It should be trivial to run a pair of wires from a fuse panel or power point to switch and a pair of wires out and back to the solonoid. It might be better to run it inside the cab under the carpet and through a hole into the trunk, because then the wires will avoid exposure to salt and water below the car body.

Perhaps there is already a path because you may have rear speakers already running wire from the trunk to the radio under the dash. I would check a DVD/stereo installer about where to route wires, because they do it all the time.

[Dodge1063]

Thanks for the input Sad Lumina owner.

When i get the time and money i will go ahead and attempt the install. I have to first find the actuator for the vehicle. I didnt see too many on ebay. I might just go to a junk yard or something. Autozone were out of them and i just want to make it as easy as plug n play.

I will let you all know how it turns out.

[ddgerb]

Dodg1063


I hope you havn't had to hack into the harness yet, but if you go to the dealership or scrapyard and get the correct parts it is as simple as plug and play. I did the same thing on my 98 Lumina. The wiring harness is taped up under the dash. It should be a two wire plug and if my memory serves right there is a black and a black/white wire. This will connect directly into the factory switch. As for the solenoid, again a factory one will bolt right in and the harness is taped up under the trunk lid. Even the fuse is installed under the hood. I believe it is shared with another function. So all that is needed is the switch, the solenoid, and the 2 screws for the solenoid. Good luck

[Dodge1063]

Thanks for the up man, I actually did cut the oem connector off from the wires. I had wired in a door bell button. I like it better because i dont have to worry about people seeing they can break into the vehicle and be able to pop my trunk. I tuck my door bell switch to where no one can see it but it works just the same.

[Dodge1063]

Hey ddgerb I sent you a PM

[chevyman1998]

I just put in a remote truck button myself went to the junk yard and got the button and the ass for the truck, but from all the ones Ive looked at in the yard they are all prewired for it, just missing the ass and the actual button to go in the dash.