Front release for Magnum Hatch

**Cdn_Magnum** · 11-14-2006, 08:21 PM

The credit for this mod goes to Ratman1648. He figured it out and I was the test bed for it.. Give him the beans

The mod works are he predicted it would.

I apologize for the poor pix. My Sony camera decided to start to die on me.

You just need to solder a 4.7k (1/4watt) resistor on one lead of the switch. I soldered two wires to the switch with pin connectors on it to push into the release connector.

The switch I used is a trunk release switch from a Crown Victoria (had the switch laying about)

The switch technically can go anywhere if you want to run wire to the release connector.

Remove the trim panel on the upper portion of the door sill next to the upper dash.

Remove 1 phillips screw behind this trim panel.

Remove one hex head screw about the middle of the lower dash cover.

Pull the lower dash cover towards the drivers seat... its snapped into place. This should gain you access to the rear hatch release connector above the parking brake release. Drill the appropriate size hole for your switch. Mount the switch and use either 3M scotch lock connectors or small pin connectors (to push into the existing connector).

Reverse your procedure to reassemble the dash.

Instrument panel warning that the hatch isnt latched

Time to install ... about half an hour

Note** You do have to have the doors unlocked to get the release to work. This mod may or may not be useful to some because it does NOT open the lift by itself. Ratman1648 recommends stronger shock be mounted back there to assist in opening the lift gate (and removal of the counter weights). But it may assist in at least pre-releasing the lift for someone outside the back of the vehicle.

Parts List:

1 - momentary switch of your choice
1 - 4.7K resistor 1/4 watt
1 - location of installers choice for push button
2 - pin connectors (anything that will fit in the existing connector will work)

**FloridaRT** · 11-15-2006, 10:10 AM

Great write up, can you redo the photos in the near future??????????

Thanks,

Bob A.

**pir8magnum** · 11-15-2006, 10:18 AM

My wish-mod is a key fob based button to release (and possibly open) the hatch. Im surprised they dont have it as an option, honestly.

**Cdn_Magnum** · 11-15-2006, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by FloridaRT

Great write up, can you redo the photos in the near future??????????

Thanks,

Bob A.

Its easy to pull the panels apart, so as soon as I buy a new camera I will update the pix . Again I apologize for the poor quality, but something was better than nothing.

Cheers

**ratman1648** · 11-15-2006, 11:22 AM

just adding a link to the original thread
Ya know that little connector under your headlamp switch?

and the place that I think we can get some struts from
http://www.suspa-inc.com/index.htm

**legmaker72** · 11-15-2006, 11:31 AM

Awesome work sguys...beans for both of you!

**Super T** · 11-15-2006, 11:48 AM

Good find. Now I'm just awaiting a solution for getting it to open...

**ratman1648** · 11-15-2006, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by Super T

Good find. Now I'm just awaiting a solution for getting it to open...

what is STRONGER STRUTS???

and remove weights

**pir8magnum** · 11-15-2006, 11:53 AM

So, could you install a remote switch in that space and then use a fob/keychain of some sort to activate it?

Then my dream of having a remote opener would come true!

Originally Posted by Cdn_Magnum

Its easy to pull the panels apart, so as soon as I buy a new camera I will update the pix . Again I apologize for the poor quality, but something was better than nothing.

Cheers

**ratman1648** · 11-15-2006, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by pir8magnum

So, could you install a remote switch in that space and then use a fob/keychain of some sort to activate it?

Then my dream of having a remote opener would come true!

if the switched wire provides a ground, I think if you connect it to the voltage sensor line with the resistor I'm pretty sure it will work

**pir8magnum** · 11-15-2006, 12:12 PM

Hmm..I think this mod could have a whole new dimension!

Anyone know where to get aftermarket remote switches?

Originally Posted by ratman1648

if the switched wire provides a ground, I think if you connect it to the voltage sensor line with the resistor I'm pretty sure it will work

**ratman1648** · 11-15-2006, 12:20 PM

Originally Posted by pir8magnum

Hmm..I think this mod could have a whole new dimension!

Anyone know where to get aftermarket remote switches?

you can use one of these but since you need a switched ground(-) it would require the use of a relay

**pir8magnum** · 11-15-2006, 12:42 PM

Well, you just went over my head..

I'll let someone else figure it out and once they do, I'll install it.

Or, if someone can figure out a theoretical way to do it, I could be the guinea pig for it. Let me know.

Originally Posted by ratman1648

you can use one of these but since you need a switched ground(-) it would require the use of a relay