How to Add Solenoid to a Car Trunk

April 7, 2009 | tags solenoid  Solenoid Applications   | views

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.

Before the Installation

Step1
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.
Step2
Read the manual that comes with the solenoid.

The Installation

Step1
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.
Step2
Remove the panel that covers the mechanism.
Step3
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.
Step4
Drill a little hole into the release mechanism.
Step5
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.
Step6
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.
Step7
Make certain that you can still release the trunk using the key.
Step8
Run the trigger wire to the front of the vehicle where the driver sits.
Step9
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.
Step10
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.