Trunk release not working

[crushedout]

On my 96 firebird the trunk release quit working. I can hear a clicking coming from the glovebox area when I press the button but thats the extent of anything happening. It does not matter if the door is open or closed, or if the parking brake is up or down. Would appreciate any help.

[nikon]

Re: Trunk release not working

well first off, can you still open the trunk manually? if so...it's possible all you need it a spring, open your trunk and peel the carpet back some....you should see the mechanism there, along with a big spring that attaches to another little bar which pushes the trunk catch up to clear the locking mechanism....so my best guess is the spring since you can still hear the locking latch opening and closing...if nothing else, have somebody pull up on the hatch while you push the button, that'll get it open.

[BLLDOGG]

Re: Trunk release not working

I think he is hearing the relay.

yeah, check and see if it can be opened manually and inspect the mechanism.

[crushedout]

Re: Trunk release not working

I have had no problems opening the trunk with my key until last night. I had to put my key in and out 5 times or so before it would finally turn and unlock the hatch. As far as the noise I hear when I push the button it is coming from the glovebox area, no dought. I will take a look tonight and see if anything is moving back there when the button is pushed, and if it will work when somebody pulls up on it why button is being pressed. There was some times a few years back that when the button was pressed it wouldn't work and I would go hit again and it would work fine. Thanks for the help so far.

[nikon]

Re: Trunk release not working

well, if its the relay you hear then you can throw my idea out the window, you might need a new servo in the back...or there may be a bad connection somewhere....But, the relay could be bad, and need replacing.

[crushedout]

Re: Trunk release not working

I went out and opened it manually. I pulled back the carpet and when the trunk release is hit there is nothing happening back there. I disconnected the two connectors one at a time and re-plugged them in to check for bad connection and nothing. When I did this the clicking coming from the glovebox stopped. The whole time the doors were closed. I had the door opened up and checked it for myself and the clicking from glovebox started again. You think that clicking is a bad relay? Does anyone know what that relay is called and a price. How do you change it? Thanks for any help

[Earnhardt132000]

Re: Trunk release not working

Lemme know if you find a solution, I also have the clicking noise ever since I bought the car. I can still open it with the key with no problems, and its hard for me to check any connections because then I would have to take my T-top box out.

[dorkins]

Re: Trunk release not working

the clicking means the relay is working
try testing the leads in the back with a volt meter when you push the release

and, as for the spring idea, only 99+ have a spring loaded mech (at least my 98 doesnt, so i would assume neithre do 97 or below...)

to fix the problem of it not popping open, you simply screw out the rubber cushions on the trunk lid
http://www.installuniversity.com/ins...sity/index.htm

but, that apparently is not your only problem

[nikon]

Re: Trunk release not working

the clicking means the relay is working
try testing the leads in the back with a volt meter when you push the release

and, as for the spring idea, only 99+ have a spring loaded mech (at least my 98 doesnt, so i would assume neithre do 97 or below...)

to fix the problem of it not popping open, you simply screw out the rubber cushions on the trunk lid
http://www.installuniversity.com/ins...sity/index.htm

but, that apparently is not your only problem

only 99+ have the problem of weak spring...I assumed it may have broken..... and no a relay clicking doesnt mean it's working I've had many relays go bad, they still click but the connections are shot, but yes check the leads out the back you'll have to leave the wires plugged in then shove the test leads in there too...good luck.

[crushedout]

Re: Trunk release not working

I dont think its the rubber cushion because I tried lifting up on it while somebody else was hitting the trunk release. I was pulling and pushing down on the hatch while they were pushing hitting the trunk release. I went to sears and bought a volt meter. I checked the back connectors and there was no voltage being sent. I had to disconnect the wires from the quick disconnect just before the trunk lock. The wires were orange with a black stripe and a black wire. I had another set of wires going to the top of the mechanism that were black with a white stripe and black. No power there either, even though I dont think thats the set I want. I am getting the negative voltage to the relay of between 9and 11 dc, or else the clicking wouldn't happen, but I checked anyways. I then went to Autozone and the guy handed me the relay and I went out and checked it. It did the exact same thing mine did, click, nothing going on in the back. So I saw no need to buy it and left. I'm guessing I have a busted wire somewhere or maybe an inline fuse. I dunno. I followed the harness from the trunk up to the back passenger compartment area. Looks like I'm going to have to disassemble the interior tommorrow when I have some light outside to follow it farther. On a side note I found a snipped red wire over but the trunk release relay, I dont think they tie together but I guess I'kll find out tommorow. Does anyone know how the wiring diagram for the trunk release is? The haynes manual has nothing in it. Thanks for the help so far!

[crushedout]

Re: Trunk release not working

Okay, So I spent the entire day on my car except for a short down pour. I completely emptied my car of all panels and carpet. I found that the orange wire with the black stripe was actually the wire that makes the courtesy lights come on when the hatch is popped. I did need the black wire with the whitestripe. They both go to the Integrated Body Control Module, or BCM. Both sets of wires had good continuity. I took apart the BCM and found a "burn spot" on one of the relays. I came in to find out the point of the BCM on hear and found alot of people ralking about it affecting there courtesy lights and one person descibed to a tee what my light do about randomly coming on. They all said that after they swapped out the BCM all was fixed. I hope changing this part fixes both problems. It cost 220 from dealership and you can ask for a "discount" to get it to 180. I found it on www.gmpartsdirect.com for 130. I guess these control modules are known among 96 owners as being junk. Yes I have a 96. Maybe It will also play a role in my headlights not working. Who knows? But after I get this mechanically sound I'm gonna start putting all new stuff in it. Man this has been a headache.

[Earnhardt132000]

Re: Trunk release not working

Hey man, let me know if it works out for ya. Where is the BCM located? I'll check mine as well and see if I can find any burn spots in mine.

[crushedout]

Re: Trunk release not working

I'll let you know. Looks like I'll be waiting to order it til Thursday. Do you have any type of problem with your dome lights? The BCM is located behind your glovebox, kinda on the right. If you remove the kick panel between firewall and glovebox its under there. There is 2 wireharness that plug into it. The board is actually inside of black plastic case, opens right up. The headlight relay is actually above this and is mounted to the side of the glovebox. If you remove the glovebox it may make it easier to get the BCM out. I just got off the phone with the dealership and they said there is no way to test it that he knows of. I'll keep ya in the loop of final outcome of this.

[crushedout]

Re: Trunk release not working

Well I got a board off ebay that was "brand new". It was not. You could tell it had connectors in it before. When I connected the new board the security light on dash came on and would not go out. So in return my car would not turn on. I checked part number and this is the right part number for 96 f-body with non-keyless entry. Took my old board and soldered in a new trace where the burn markwas at and now the dome lights do not randomly come on but still cant get the trunk release to work. If you have your alarm set on a 96 keyless entry model and open it with a key and hit the trunk button will it open because mine did not. Thnks for any help.