05-09 Interior and Audio Mods Enhancing Your Mustang's Interior and Sound System

How to wire a trunk release button

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Old Apr 30, 2005 | 09:48 PM
  #1  
dustindu4's Avatar
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I am going to hook up a trunk release button but I have one major reservation about doing it. That is if somebody broke in the car for a smash and grab, the first place they're going to look for a button to open the trunk is in the glove box. From time to time I have certain items in my trunk that I want kept secure for liability reasons and a trunk release button compromises this. As the car is now, the only way somebody can get in the trunk is with a key or key remote. The back seat is locked.

Somebody on another forum said they hid a button right under the shift boot. Press on the shift boot in the right spot and the trunk pops. I'm leaning on going this route unless somebody else has a better idea where to put it.
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Old Apr 30, 2005 | 10:18 PM
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Unless you have done something, the back seat is not locked. The release is the tab on the top of the seatback.
When I first saw no trunk release I figured it was for security reasons, but the inside releases shoot down that thinking.

I would suggest mounting somewhere along the bottom edge of the dash below the steering wheel. No one will know it is there, it is easily accessable and probably alot easier to mount then under the shifter boot.

Just my $0.02 (US$0.015 I guess) worth.
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Old Apr 30, 2005 | 10:28 PM
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I really like under the shifter boot. No one needs to know about it but you I think thats awesome
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Old Apr 30, 2005 | 10:39 PM
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Hmm I thought it was locked. I never actually looked though. I guess I'll put it in the glove box then.
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Old Apr 30, 2005 | 11:33 PM
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You know, Dustin, don't keep anything of any value in your vehicle at any time. Auto burglary is one of the fastest growing crimes. And as stated, the back seats are not locked. Simple, just use the key fob button.

It's sad, but many people where I live tell me that they park their car with the glove box open, nothing in it and doors unlocked. This way, they don't get their windows smashed. Many times, they are looking for a purse, checkbook, loose change, GARAGE DOOR OPENER, any identifying information, etc.

If someone is going to STEAL the car, locked doors will not stop them. Sad but true.

Great way to always have a clean interior: Leave nothing in your car...ever.

I had a handgun stolen from a vehicle once , only once. I know better now. I have it back, but I know better.
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Old Apr 30, 2005 | 11:58 PM
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inside glove box or somewhere inside console
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Old May 1, 2005 | 03:48 PM
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Right where the monkey can reach it.
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Old May 1, 2005 | 04:09 PM
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Curious, what do you need it for? You have the key fabs. Vehicles are getting away them. I rarely use the one in my Cobra.
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Old May 1, 2005 | 04:57 PM
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Originally posted by Badsnke98@May 1, 2005, 5:12 PM
Curious, what do you need it for? You have the key fabs. Vehicles are getting away them. I rarely use the one in my Cobra.
True with the fobs u dont really need the button. And a side note. if they broke into your car, the stuff isnt safe in the trunk anyway. the back seats fold down. jsut tug a bit and thats it they are in your trunk. they can pull the stuff out that way or reach in to the glow in the dark hanfle and tug it to manually open the trunk.

If your gonna do it i think the glove box is the best idea. its hidden from view and prolly the easiest to do. let us kno how it comes out and be sure to take pics
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Old May 1, 2005 | 06:24 PM
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i would like to know how to wire this not a bad idea...
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Old May 1, 2005 | 06:33 PM
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Originally posted by WERKED 66@May 1, 2005, 8:27 PM
i would like to know how to wire this not a bad idea...
I'm told to wire the switch to the pink wire with the orange stripe behind the passenger kick panel. I'll be doing it next weekend since it rained all day today. I'll do a writeup then.
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Old May 1, 2005 | 06:50 PM
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THANKS FOR THE INFO..
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Old May 3, 2005 | 09:00 AM
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I'd say center console, because its easy to reach from either side of the car.
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Old May 3, 2005 | 09:40 AM
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In the center console there is a pop-off tab right behind the parking brake. I'd put it there.
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Old May 3, 2005 | 09:42 AM
  #15  
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Originally posted by TheRealOne@May 3, 2005, 11:43 AM
In the center console there is a pop-off tab right behind the parking brake. I'd put it there.
wow great idea!

now I just have to find a button
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Old May 3, 2005 | 09:49 AM
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I would put in the glove box since it is lockable.
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Old May 3, 2005 | 10:07 AM
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i think you should install this button:

[attachmentid=19915]

and get one of these:
http://www.johnnyfaber.com/files/tru..._antitheft.wmv

http://www.johnnyfaber.com/files/tru...tiroadrage.wmv
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Old May 3, 2005 | 03:07 PM
  #18  
dustindu4's Avatar
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[attachmentid=19940]

I'm ready. It's going in the glove box.
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Old May 3, 2005 | 03:19 PM
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Let everyone how you did it. I've been told that it can't be done......
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Old May 3, 2005 | 04:18 PM
  #20  
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DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE IN ANY WAY FOR ANY DAMAGE YOU MIGHT DO TO YOUR CAR, SELF, OR ANYONE ELSE. FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS AT YOUR OWN RISK. YOU MUST HAVE SOME BASIC ELECTRICAL KNOWLEDGE TO DO THIS, IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS, DON'T TRY DOING THIS.

I read off Stangnet where member BLK05GT found the wire for the trunk release circuit. He said it was the pink wire for the orange stripe. Just to double check I looked in the trunk lid and sure enough there was a pink wire with the orange stripe.

Find a panel mount momentary push button (McMaster Carr P/N 6915K22), and get some wire and solder the leads. I used some 24 AWG multiconductor wire I had.

[attachmentid=19973]

Next pull off the kick panel on the passenger side, just lift up on the molding and it lets go.

[attachmentid=19974]

See that big bundle of wires wrapped in black tape running to the back of the car? Pull the tape off of it and you'll find the pink wire with the orange stripe. I believe there was another pink wire with an orange stripe but it was a skinny wire, use the fat wire. There's a lot of wires in that bundle.

[attachmentid=19975]

Instead of soldering the connection I used is a 3M T-Tap Quick Disconnect Terminal (18-14 AWG, color: blue, McMaster Carr Part number 69515K24). You just slightly strip the insulation away and attach the connector.

[attachmentid=19976]

Next drill your hole. Squeeze the sides of the glove box and it flips down. My button was 1/2" so I used a uni-bit that went up to 1/2"

[attachmentid=19977]

Run your wires through the hole and down to your fuse box area.

[attachmentid=19978]

Attach the nut on the back of the button to attach it firmly.

Use an insulated spade connector to attach to your pink wire you added the connector to earlier.

[attachmentid=19979]

Buy a mini fuse add-a-line at the car parts store. You can see in the picture which fuse I pluged into. I used a 3 amp fuse for the button. Crimp the add-a-line to the other wire for your button and plug it into the fuse box. I already had a slot cut, but you will need to dremel a slot for your wire to stick out of the fuse box cover.

Then reconnect the negative lead to your car battery. Press your button, it should work!

[attachmentid=19980]

Then put your molding back together and you have a nice trunk release button.
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