How to Add Solenoid to a Car Trunk

Owners of some cars are inconvenienced by only being able to open their trunk with a key. No doubt, many would like the convenience of being able to pop open the trunk from the driver's seat. This can be done by the addition of a solenoid. A solenoid is a motor or heavy duty actuator that pulls. When installed properly it can pull the manual release mechanism of the trunk.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 12 Gauge Automotive Wiring
• Solenoids
• Phillips Screwdrivers
• Drill Bits
• Fuses
• Slotted Screwdrivers
• Variable-speed Drills
• Voltmeters
• Wire Crimpers
• Wire Strippers
• Drill Bits
• Wire Strippers

Before the Installation

1. Gather the following tools and materials: solenoid (which can be purchased from a car stereo shop), 12-gauge electrical wire, a fuse, fuse holder, drill, Phillips screwdriver, regular screwdriver, stripper, crimp connections, and a voltmeter. Consult the instructions as to the size of the fuse you need to purchase.

2. Read the manual that comes with the solenoid.

The Installation

3. Locate the trunk's manual release mechanism. It is commonly on the body of the car below the trunk lid when the lid is down.

4. Remove the panel that covers the mechanism.

5. Find a location near the mechanism where the solenoid can be mounted securely. You want a metal surface, not a plastic one. Make certain that the location is close enough to the release mechanism so that a cable can be looped to the mechanism and back to the solenoid.

6. Drill a little hole into the release mechanism.

7. Loop the cable that comes with the solenoid through the hole and back to the solenoid. Connect the cable into a special connector on the solenoid.

8. Test the solenoid to see if it works the release mechanism. You do this by taking a 9-volt battery and touching its terminals to the power line of the solenoid.

9. Make certain that you can still release the trunk using the key.

10. Run the trigger wire to the front of the vehicle where the driver sits.

11. Mount the switch that comes with the solenoid to a location on or under the dash that is easily accessible from the driver's seat.

12. Connect the trigger wire to the switch and connect the power wire from the switch to the fuse block so that it receives constant power. You can use the fuse for the cigarette lighter to serve as the constant power source. This means that you can use the switch to open the trunk when the car's ignition is off. Ground the solenoid and the switch.

Tips & Warnings

• If you would rather be able to pop the trunk with the remote transmitter of an alarm rather than a button on the dash, simply connect the trigger wire to the button to trigger output of the alarm.

on 8/2/2006 Make sure the switch for the truck is not too accessible. If you're driving on the freeway and you accidentally push the button, all your stuff will fly out and cause an accident. I recommend buying a covered switch that requires lifting the cover than pushing it. They can be bought at any Radio Shack.