Here are two recent press releases regarding information on upcoming features on new cars from major automobile manufacturers featuring trunk releases.

• Subaru Joins Industry in Support of Trunk Safety

• Ford Announces Trunk Releases

• GM Announces Trunk Releases

VIDEOS BY DAVE
Car Trunk Latch Releases
36727 Nashua Blvd.
Sorrento, FL 32776
1-800-641-8146

HOW TO INSTALL A TRUNK RELEASE INSIDE YOUR TRUNK

You must be able to answer YES to both questions before you attempt to install a trunk release mechanism inside your trunk.

1. Does your car have an operational factory equipped electronic trunk release mechanism?

2. Does your car have an interior trunk light?

   The procedure below will not work if your car:

   • has a cable trunk release system.
   • does not have any trunk release system, electronic or cable.

PARTS REQUIRED TO INSTALL A TRUNK RELEASE INSIDE YOUR CAR

You can go to an automotive supply store and get the required parts. The costs for the parts required are approximate and may vary depending upon where you live.

10 to 12 feet 16 gauge 12 volt Primary Wire(100% Copper) - $1.25
2 Quick Spice clamps for 16 gauge wire - $0.75
1 20 Amp 12 volts Momentary-On Toggle Switch - $2.00
Total - $4.00

WARNING: You should seek the required expertise to install a trunk release inside the trunk of your car if you are not mechanically inclined, or you are not familiar with electrical wiring procedures.

SPECIAL NOTE: If you can open your trunk using a remote opener, the easiest thing for you to do is purchase an additional remote opener and hide it in the trunk of your car.

PROCEDURES FOR INSTALLING A TRUNK RELEASE INSIDE A CAR TRUNK

It is recommended that the battery be disconnected before following these procedures.

1. Disconnect the battery.
2. Locate the part that controls the electronic trunk release mechanism inside the trunk of the car. This part is generally in the trunk lid near the trunk release mechanism or located at the base of the trunk latch.
3. Locate the interior trunk light mechanism.
4. Determine a logical path for the 16 gauge wire to travel from the interior trunk light to the electronic trunk release mechanism.
5. Measure the distance between the interior light mechanism and the part that controls the electronic trunk release mechanism to determine the length of 16 gauge wire you will require.
6. Determine a location along the logical wire path to put the Momentary-On Toggle switch.

It is important to make sure the location of the toggle switch can not be accidentally tripped or damaged by articles placed in the trunk of the car.

7. Measure the distance from the interior light to the place where the toggle switch is to be placed.
8. Cut a length of 16 gauge wire equal to the distance required to go from the interior light to the location of the toggle switch.
9. Cut a length of 16 gauge wire equal to the distance required to go from the location of the toggle switch to the part that controls the electronic trunk release mechanism.
10. Insert the two pieces of wire along the path chosen between the interior light switch and the part that controls the electronic trunk release mechanism.
11. Attach the length of 16 gauge wire from the interior light to one of the prongs of the toggle switch.
12. Attach the length of 16 gauge wire from the part that controls the electronic trunk release mechanism to the other prong of the toggle switch.
13. Using a Quick Splice Clamp, clamp the 16 gauge wire from the toggle switch to the "hot" wire leading from the part that controls the electronic trunk release mechanism.
14. Using a Quick Splice Clamp, clamp the 16 gauge wire from the toggle switch to the "hot" wire leading from the interior light switch.
15. Reconnect the battery.

Click to download these instructions in Microsoft Word format for printing.

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