The trunk release solenoid on my 1996 Cavalier Convertible doesn't work. Since I have two 1996 Cavalier convertibles, I was able to isolate the problem as being the solenoid, not the (wireless) switch. Two problems:
1) GM discontinued the part, and so I can't find a replacement online (though I might be able to find one if I rummage through junkyards-- which aren't very plentiful here in Silicon Valley. Anybody know where I can buy one online?
2) Also, the actual solenoid is spot-welded into the rest of the latch. And the latch is connected to both of the trunk release cables (one of which runs all the way to the driver's seat). Looks like a big pain in the butt. Anybody know the best way to replace the solenoid? (I was thinking about trying to drill out the spot-welds and just replacing the solenoid with a comparable one.
I just saw one on Ebay for $23. I thought the cable to the driver's seat was a separate piece, because I've removed them before. You might have to disassemble the trunk latch, it's been a long time (8 years?) since I changed the one on my parent's old Cavalier... don't remember the process too well.
The newer trunk release is still available from GM, part number 22714621. I believe that's the one that comes with the glow in the dark handle in case you get locked in the trunk... (how? i don't know..)
...j
John Lenko wrote:I just saw one on Ebay for $23. I thought the cable to the driver's seat was a separate piece, because I've removed them before. You might have to disassemble the trunk latch, it's been a long time (8 years?) since I changed the one on my parent's old Cavalier... don't remember the process too well.
The newer trunk release is still available from GM, part number 22714621. I believe that's the one that comes with the glow in the dark handle in case you get locked in the trunk... (how? i don't know..)
...j
John, thanks for the reference to the replacement part - the one on my car hasn't failed yet, but it's likely only a matter of time and I prefer to take a "non-deferred" maintenance approach to these things so will probably pick one up. Since I purchased my vert in 2002, I've replaced:
- Both top motors. The existing ones were still working but I didn't want to wait for one or both to fail. Did a core swap using that rebuild service guy on eBay, so this wasn't particularly expensive or involved.
- Most of the weatherstrip. That removed some very minor, occasional leaks.
- Both door window motors. One was getting weak/troublesome, so I replaced both at the same time. Would have been a pretty straightforward job, but those PITA rivets changed that. I don't care
what tools you're using, there just is no simple, easy way to remove those things.
- The blower resistor. That one doesn't give any warning symptoms, it just dies.
- The infamous water pump. After the window motor experience, I said "no way" and outsourced that one to a shop.
