Can I put a trunk release in an Accent?

Is it possible to install a power trunk release solenoid kit in 1999 Hyundai Accent L, which is a hatchback? I know you can on a typical trunk lock that pops with the turn of a key, but my Accent uses the key to lock/unlock a handle that is used to pop the hatch open. Kinda like a regular door lock I guess, but I haven't taken it apart to see what the mechanism looks like. Can anyone tell me if it's possible before I bother? I would really like the convenience when I'm lugging around my school books and gear for the gym.

cpgoose,

No, my Accent did not have factory keyless entry. In fact, an Accent "L" is a stripped model - power nothing, 5-speed, no gauges - just idiot lights, and AM/FM stereo - no even with a clock!  It was what I could afford as the second hand cars kept taking chunks of my paychecks for little return on the investment!   I've since upgraded the sound system (that's what I do), tinted the rear windows (do that too), added a sunroof (left that to a pro at the shop I work at), installed a 2-door central locking system (did that myself), and just finished installing my very first alarm, a Viper, in it. Not exactly a car high on the theft list, especially where I live, but I wanted to work through an alarm install as practice as I'm hoping to move into stereo and alarm installs at work so I can get more hours in to help pay for my school.

No, you weren't confusing at all. I've torn the interiors out of dozens of vehicles for audio installs. The hatch on a Hyundai has the mechanism in the lid itself, and just a striker on the opening - not like the American hatchbacks. What I'm not sure of is a popper can work the type of latch the Accent has because it is handle operated, and not just popped with a key. Does that make sense? In other words I have to unlock the latch with a key in the lock cylinder, and then pull a handle to open the hatch.  I've never seen the mechanism up close to study how it works, and was wondering if anyone had done it. I don't want to ask the guys at my shop because I get enough crap for being the "cutesy girl"  and like to learn how to do things myself!

if you have a pull lever for a trunk release, follow that cable to the back and find somewhere with decent room to cut the cable and mount a trunk solenoid,  i got mine from DEI.  i decided to use this method, so the trunk cant be opened from the interior, only the remote and key.  the DEI part came with a switch and mount and extra wiring for installing a push button.

Final determination: trunk pop solenoid CANNOT be used on the hatchback!

The hatchback has a two stage latch, and also doesn't lift by itself so it cannot be "popped". However, a standard actuator can be used to operate the lock cylinder so all one has to do is grab the handle. Mounting is a snap (lots of room and a direct shot for the rod). There's even an arm on the latch you can tie an actuator rod to using a factory-style retainer clip. I tied mine into my central locking system, which is now alarm-controlled too, so the hatchback locks and unlocks with the doors. Loving the convenience.

Hi David,

I thought about a popper, but the way the hatch fits into the frame when closed there's no "easy" spot to mount one. Could make a bracket, but for me such a mount would probably be in the way because I use my hatch area heavily for carrying school books, tools, etc.

Probably the real choice install would be to replace one of the hydraulic lift struts with a linear actuator that would raise the hatchback when the latch was popped. Only took about 2 seconds for me to ditch that idea though after pricing an actuator with enough travel = $108 at cost compared to $5 for a 2-wire Autoloc pistol actuator!  No brainer for this poor college student.

Yeah, I took some photos while I installed it, but have to get them developed still because my digital camera sux at real close close-ups. Should be able to drop them off mid-week.

Thx