96 power trunk release motor?

[hamiltonaudio]

I've got manual release on my SE and it looks very much like the powered release would simply bolt onto the latch assembly (as the cable driven one has a single torx screw holding it in place).

Aftermarket solenoids are a PITA and after some cursory trying, I'm convinced its just not worth it to try and fuss with it. Anybody converted their 96-98 GA manual trunk (cable driven) to power release?

On GMPARTSDIRECT's catalog, I've found:

1. 16632031 which is just "solenoid" for the trunk

but its not very clear about exactly /what/ it is, what comes with, etc as there are no details. Anybody got the straight info on this upgrade? I'm tired of using a key :)

bmoney

[MantaGreen97]

The 96-98 cars with power release do not have a driver's power release button as you might think. The power release is only on cars equipped with factory keyless entry.

ALL 96-98 cars have the manual cable release at the driver door, regardless of whether they have the power solenoid/actuator at the trunk latch.

Really all you need is the trunk latch w/solenoid from a car so-equipped and you'll be all set.

It could be that you could just add the solenoid but I'm pretty sure you can't do that.

Because the non-keyless entry cars have a "lockout" on the trunk latch which serves as a "valet" feature so the cable release will not actuate the trunk latch from inside the car. Cars equipped with the power release in addition to the standard cable, do not have this feature. This leads me to think the complete latch assembly is different. (But I'm not sure about this.)

You may try and see if the solenoid fits though, if you want. Personally I think it would be easier to get an entire latch out of a wrecked car with the power release, instead.

[hamiltonaudio]

shit - I thought it would be easier - I think finding a wreck with the latch and solenoid on it will be easier as well.... then the fun of lining it up :)

thanks for the info!

bmoney

[Matt95GT]

Roland is correct, can't just add the solenoid alone. To confirm, you have to change the entire assembly, minus the actual key cylinder. Make sure you get the entire cable too - don't cut it, there is no way to re-attach the standard pull-cable to the power release mechanism. (learned that the hard way)

Good luck hunting for it... it took me 2 years to track one down in the junkyards.