Trunk release on a '94 Cutlass Sierra

Hey....I've installed 3 trunk release solenoids in order to add the trunk pop feature to an alarm. On all three of those cars, though, they at least had a manual trunk lever inside the car. Well, I'm trying to do the same to a '94 Oldsmobile Cutlass Sierra, but this car doesn't have any manual lever in the car. So...when you look at the mechanism (which is in the trunk's door), it only has a rod coming from the key hole, which turns the latch and opens the hood. I don't understand how to install the solenoid to mimic this? In other words, won't the solenoid just pull the "rod", rather than "turn" it? Confused. thanks!Q: What's the best nation in the world?

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It's spelled Ciera. GM only had about two different trunk release solenoids during those years, and you can get a factory one off almost any GM car of that vintage at the junkyard. It's sort of hard to explain in text, but when you go to remove it, you will see how it works. If you look inside the trunk of your Ciera, you'll see a round thing in the middle, with a slot...and it turns when you turn the key. The solenoid pokes into the slot and turns it. It's only held on a by a couple of 8mm bolts. Also, don't forget to get a couple of the glovebox-mounted trunk release switches while you're there. If you're lucky, the car may be partially pre-wired. At least the '90 Cutlass Calais I worked on was. I found the plug for the switch was already behind the glove box, and the output of the switch was wired all the way to a large plug at the bottom of the trunk.

Hey, thanks Chris (for the spelling too) So will I be able to use the generic solenoid that I already bought, or do I have to get the factory one from a junkyard? I guess when you're talking about the solenoid that "pokes into the slot and turns it", you mean the factory solenoid, correct? I'm not really sure how the aftermarket one would accomplish this yet. Thanks for the reply....I'm gettin' there.Q: What's the best nation in the world?

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Yes, I was talking about the factory one that pokes into that slot. I once thought I saw an Audiovox solenoid in the stockroom at my work that appeared to be of the same design, but I can't remember now. Other than that, I haven't seen an aftermarket solenoid that would work, at least not easily. Plus, the factory part will probably be quieter, smoother, more reliable, look better, cheaper, quicker to install...pretty much everything you'd want. It will literally take you about 45 seconds to remove one of these at the junkyard, and another 45 seconds to install it in your car......of course, you still have to run wire, set up a relay (if you're opening it with a remote), or the dash-mounted switch (or both)........but you'd have to do those things no matter what. Plus, going to the junkyard is always fun, at least I think it is. You'll need the following tools: -8mm ratchet or wrench (but always bring along a 7 and a 10, because they are common on GM cars) -wire cutters (the plugs on the solenoid and switch are unique; you won't want to leave them behind) -flat screwdriver (to pry out the switch) Other things to remember: -Junkyard cars rarely have either keys or batteries. You'll likely find that other customers have forced some of the trunks open; check these cars first. Otherwise, you'll need to open the trunk on your own somehow. If you're not experienced in forcing a trunk lock with a screwdriver, bring along a small 12-volt battery and some scrap wire, so you can open the trunk electrically. (One of those jump-start packs would be ideal.) -Most of the cars will have yellow trunk-release switches with the word "TRUNK" printed twice around the edge. Many Cadillacs will instead have an actual picture of a car trunk. Choose whichever style you prefer, or grab both. -If your car doesn't already have a trunk lamp, now is the time to get one. -A new-car dealer's parts department will likely have an exploded diagram of how the trunk release works, and you can probably also buy a new solenoid from them. But don't forget to order the plugs and switch, if they are even available.