Boot release switch image

Boot Release Switch

Install the boot release switch Australia never got.

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Overview

Australia never got the interior boot release switch, this always puzzled me as the NA, NB, and NC all had variations of one. I commonly found myself needing to get out of the car and releasing the boot for people because they couldn't find the exterior release switch, and the fob release doesn't work if the car is running.


That's when I noticed the blank panel next to bonnet release lever, after looking into it I found that it was a blanking plug for the boot release switch available in other regions. And funny enough it still had a plug in the back of it. After playing around I found that even when the pins are bridged the boot does not release, this is due to the BCM not being configured for it.


However, I found another workaround to wire the switch in parallel to the exterior boot switch, this allows for the same security as the exterior (Car must be unlocked, key must be in range, and car can be running). This guide will show you how to implement this switch in your own car.


Boot Release Switch Blanking Plate Boot Release Switch Complete

Parts

  • Trunk Lid Release Switch: GJR9-66-630A Boot Release Switch Listing Image
  • Wire
  • Electrical/Harness Tape (Plastic or Fabric is fine but I prefer to use the fabric harness tape)

Tools

  • Plastic Pry Tool Plastic Pry Tool
  • Metal Pick Metal Pick
  • Wire Strippers Wire Strippers
  • Wire Cutters Wire Cutters
  • Soldering Iron Soldering Iron
  • Test Light Test Light

Wiring

Below is the wiring diagram for the interior and exterior boot release switch. The LG/V wire is what runs from the interior switch to the BCM, however the BCM is not programmed to accept the signal and cannot be reprogrammed. So the solution is to cut the wire and rewire it into the yellow exterior switch circuit as seen by the green line.


Wiring Diagram

The wiring diagram below is that of the interior switch plug. Pins C and B are reserved for night time illumination, this function will work without modification so when the headlights come on so does the switch backlight. Pin A is ground and must also be left untouched to complete the circuit and release the boot. Pin D is the LG/V wire that goes directly to the BCM, this will be cut and run to the Y wire from the exterior switch.


Pin Out

Installation

  1. Remove the passenger side scuff panel. Beneath it, you will find a white panel housing the wiring harness.
    2. Door Sill Harness
  2. Using the metal pick, insert it into each tab while pulling up on the housing, slowly making your way across it until the whole panel opens.
    3. Pick and Pry Pry Open

  3. Carefully remove the tape from around the harness so you can access the wiring within.

  4. Locate the thin yellow wires and test each one until you find the correct one that releases the boot lid.

  5. Once the correct wire is found, slice it open with the wire stripper so you can wrap a new wire around it and solder together. Then wrap the solder joint with some electrical tape to prevent it from shorting.
    6. Boot Release Wire
  6. You then need to route that extra wire around from the passenger side up to where the release switch plug is. I ran mine up through the interior fuse box, up across the passenger dash pad, behind the aircon controls (this can be done without removing any parts if you pull it through with a wire), and across to the switch.

  7. To remove the switch blanking plate, you will need to slide the plastic pry tool up from under the dash and apply pressure on the left and right of the plate. This will push in two little plastic prongs on each side to pop the plug out.

  8. The next step is to cut the LG/V wire and solder the remaining plug side of it to the new wire you ran
    9. Boot Release Switch Plug
  9. Isolate the new solder join with electrical tape then clean up the harness with harness tape. Then plug in the switch.
    10. Boot Release Switch
  10. You can then press the switch into the slot and enjoy your new boot release.
    11. Boot Release Switch Complete

Testing

Within the door sill harness there is more than one yellow wire. To confirm you have the correct one, you can try tapping into the wire and touching it to ground, if it is the correct wire the boot should immediately release once grounded.

Troubleshooting

Don't make the same mistake I did with the wire test light. First attempt I used an incandescent bulb version, but the bulb was blown and I kept testing not knowing it was not working. The next mistake was I switched to a LED one that would show the direction of the signal (red, green depending on polarity), I found that this prevented the signal from getting through when tapping the wire, not releasing the boot when it should of. The best way to test is to nick the wire and run an alligator clip from the wire to ground to test, If wrong protect it with electrical tape.