Pull up the ebrake. Or it could be the contact switch at the base of the lever. Or it could be a few hundred other things. Try pulling the ebrake handle all the way up since it's real easy to do. I think it's supposed to be up for the trunk to release. It has to be in my 87GT, but not in my 88.
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07:41 PM
rotten Member
Posts: 170 From: Clinton, MO, USA Registered: Jun 2006
There's an interlock on the trunk release. If the key is on: automatic transmission must be in park or neutral, manual transmission must have the parking brake applied.
If the key is off, then the release works no matter what. There's three components to the trunk release; the switch on the dashboard, the trunk release relay, and the release solenoid mounted on the trunk latch. Some simple tests with a multimeter should reveal the problem very quickly.
In the 85 book it goes like this. The power comes from the Ctsy/Lid Fuse 20 amp. -> Trunk release switch -|> Trunk relay -> Trunk solenoid. -> ground. ................................................................| .................................................................--Relay coil -> inline diode -> Parking brake switch-> ground.
I would image it would be changed to the park/N switch in later models.
[This message has been edited by Dodgerunner (edited 07-19-2006).]
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09:52 PM
buddycraigg Member
Posts: 13620 From: kansas city, mo Registered: Jul 2002
also please tell us what year. your user name has 88 in it but that doesn't mean much
Sorry, I have an 88 Formula Thanks everyone, I have located all the components that where list and will check them out. Think I will start with the relay ...
You can test the solenoid with jumper cables and a screwdriver. Connect the solenoid latch to the engine block with one cable, connect the other cable to positive on the battery, and the other end of the positive cable to the screwdriver, use the tip of the screwdriver to probe the terminal inside the end of the solenoid. If you get a good solid release then use a test light on the wire at the solenoid to ground and see if it lights when someone pushes the trunk release. If not then you have a wiring problem.
Can you hear the relay click? It's under the right side instrument pod.
When you push the switch, will it move full up and down? If it moves both directions fully then the switch is broken.
JazzMan
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08:59 AM
moleman_in_a_FieroGT Member
Posts: 792 From: Houston, TX, USA Registered: Apr 2006
Forgot, when 3 of mine went out--I took off the solenoid at the latch assembley--or what ever that thing is called, noticed alot of white corrosion on them--scuffed with 400 grit, and they where back to new, I have to do this (depending on driving time) as they sit alot--about once every couple to three years
Yep, this is a perfect case of a design function defect. The little lit symbol of a trunk makes you think you should push that part of the rocker to release the trunk, when in fact you must push the opposite direction. Many trunk switches get broken because of this. GM should have put the symbol on the same side to push.
There's an interlock on the trunk release. If the key is on: automatic transmission must be in park or neutral, manual transmission must have the parking brake applied.
If the key is off, then the release works no matter what. There's three components to the trunk release; the switch on the dashboard, the trunk release relay, and the release solenoid mounted on the trunk latch. Some simple tests with a multimeter should reveal the problem very quickly.
It should be noted that on cars that have been converted from auto to manual, The decklid release will ONLY work if the cluch is pushed in if you retained the neutral safety feature. This is because the auto trans cars use the neutral safety switch alone (not the E-brake) for the decklid release, so if you hook the neutral safety switch to the clutch pedal for starting only when the clutch pedal is depressed, Then the decklid release will also only work then.
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07:50 PM
Jul 21st, 2006
fierogt28 Member
Posts: 2962 From: New-Brunswick, Canada. Registered: Feb 2005
My deck-lid (power trunk) stopped working when I had a mechanic replace the front e-brake cable. I don't know if this has any "bearing" on why it doesn't funtion anymore. The reason I ask is because when the switch (button) is pushed, my e-brake warning light comes on as long as my finger lets off the button.
I am thinking that the shop mechanic forgot put in the wire that plugs into the e-brake switch at the handle.
Does this make any sense??
Thanks for the help !!
------------------ fierogt28
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11:24 PM
Jul 22nd, 2006
fierogt28 Member
Posts: 2962 From: New-Brunswick, Canada. Registered: Feb 2005
It could be that he forgot to put the parking brake sensor back in (it's a block of copper and plastic), or perhaps he didn't plug it in. Or possibly the warning light comes on to prompt you to apply the e-brake. Of course, since my Fiero is auto and has no battery, I can't test this.
[This message has been edited by moleman_in_a_FieroGT (edited 07-22-2006).]
Then mine's broken. Are you supposed to push the button up or down?
