Electric trunk lid drive: installation with your own hands
Hello all! Today we will talk about such a device as an electric trunk lid or just the tailgate. Here you can call it as you like. The essence remains the same.
Many modern cars have a feature that allows you to remotely and automatically open the luggage compartment. What it is when you do not need to manually lift the lid, everyone knows. Therefore, many people decide to install such an element on a sedan, hatchback or other car body such a device.
The presence of an electric drive will greatly simplify the closing and opening of the trunk. Now there is a real opportunity to buy a universal set, connect it to the car and use with pleasure and excellent comfort. I suggest you to study this question in more detail and decide if you need electric motor drive.
Preparing for installation
Let’s buy a set of a lock. Now there are a lot of auto parts manufacturers on the market, and there is not much difference between the kits. It is important that the device has a warranty card and instructions for use and connection. Also in the box you will find:
- Activator;
- Terminator;
- Wires;
- Relay.
In addition, you need to stock up on a set of standard tools: pliers, screwdriver, screwdrivers, multimeter, drill with a carbide drill bit. In addition to the standard tools at once buy additional wires, it is possible that the length of those that you find in the box, you will not be enough. Also black heat-resistant insulating tape, corrugated tubes, clips for fastening the trim will come in handy, because very often the trim elements of the car are attached to the disposable ones.
Note: Make sure you check the warranty card of the device you bought. Regardless of who performed the installation, you or the service, within a year you are entitled to a free repair.
Equipping a domestic car with a power trunk
If you are installing an electric opening and closing the trunk on a domestic car (for example, VAZ), the only basic elements of the mechanism, which are already far from cheap, will not be enough. Will need more trunk closer installation. Therefore, this method of modification is irrational.
For domestic cars will suit a cheaper and simpler solution, such as the use of electric windows.
To bring this idea to life, you need to buy two ESP mechanism (for example, consider products worth about three thousand rubles), the trunk lid control button (type 21100-3710620, cost – 50 rubles) and auto window closing module (brand DenUp-RWC702m, price – 500 rubles).
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In our example, the power windows are installed in the luggage compartment of the Lada Priora using a simple connection. The rear edge of the ESP rail is screwed to the crossmember at the back of the seat, on which the shelf rests. The front end of the power window bracket with a welded nut is screwed to the rear window mount beam. To do this, a slot is cut in the beam, which would pass the nut M6.
As a result, the assembled structure works without problems when you press the button specially brought out into the cabin or remote control.
The use of one electric window lifter is ineffective, as it hardly copes with its task, and the trunk lid closes with a skew.
These troubles are deprived of the mechanism of two ESP. In some cases, it will be necessary to adjust the position of the lock.
Trunk lid electric actuator
- Designed for a specific model
- Professional installation by dealership specialists
- Technical support all over Russia
- Always clean hands – no need to touch the dirty trunk lid
- Faster loading/unloading of luggage
- Convenient to use when hands are full
- Adds luxury and exclusivity to the car
- Intelligent anti-pinch technology;
- Programming the height of the rear door’s outermost position;
- Sound and light warning.
Ways to open and close the tailgate:
- From the vehicle’s radio key fob
- Buttons (regular and optional) on the tailgate
- Button installed in the car’s bulkhead
How the tailgate open/close functionality works
How does the electric tailgate elevator work? The electric tailgate lock actuator should open when the corresponding button is pressed by unwinding, thereby increasing the traction force and transmitting it to the rod. When voltage is applied to the assembly, the system relay automatically pushes the piston rod, which facilitates the opening of the door. Note that the electric tailgate actuator cannot operate under load for long periods of time, as it can break down due to overheating.
Designation of structural elements
How then to open and close the trunk?
- With the original key fob
- Buttons (regular and optional) on the tailgate
- Button, installed in the front panel of the car
You can also install smartFOOT, a device that automatically opens the trunk.
Check the possibility of installing electric opening mechanism on your car on the phone, not all models are presented on the site.
Cost of the package for different cars
QASHQAI Trunk lid electric elevator (5th door) 34,999 р. with installation 39000 р. X-TRAIL Power tailgate elevator (5th door) 34,999 p. , with installation 39000 rubles CRETA Power tailgate elevator (5th door) 34,999 rubles, installation 39000 rubles With installation for 39000 rubles TUCSON Power tailgate elevator (5th door) 34,999 rubles, installation costs 39000 rubles , with installation for 39000 rubles SANTA FE Power tailgate elevator (5th door) 34,999 rubles, installation costs 39000 rubles Power tailgate lift (5th door) 34,999 p. , with installation 39000 rubles SPORTAGE Power tailgate elevator (5th door) 34,999 p. , installation 39000 rub. , with installation 39000 rubles LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SPORT Power tailgate elevator (5th door) 31,199 p. with installation 33500 р. Smart Foot Non-contact control of the trunk lid of the car 9 999 p. With installation 12000 rubles. RENAULT KAPTUR Electric trunk lid elevator (5th door) 34 999 p. , with installation 39000 rubles TOYOTA CAMRY Power tailgate elevator 34,999 p. , with installation 39000 rubles LADA VESTA SW CROSS Power tailgate elevator (5th door) 34,999 rubles, installation 39000 rubles , with installation 39000 p. LADA X-RAY Power tailgate elevator (5th door) 34,999 p. , installation 39000 rub. , with installation 39000 rubles LADA VESTA Power tailgate elevator 28 499 p. , with installation 33500 p. GEELY ATLAS Power tailgate elevator (5th door) (copy) 34,999 p. , installation 39000 p. , with installation 39000 p. novelty RENAULT ARKAN A Electric trunk lid elevator (5th door) 34 999 p. , with installation 39000 p. novelty TOYOTA FORTUNER Electric tailgate elevator (5th door) 34 999 p. , with installation 39000 rubles
Choice of kit
Installation will be impossible if you do not have at your disposal a set of necessary equipment for installation. Buy it is not difficult, but you need to think about which option will suit you best.
Totally considered two solutions to this situation. Namely.
- Factory set. Purchased from proven and well-established manufacturers. The kit contains practically everything you need, so you do not have to assemble different elements. But the price is naturally higher;
- Amateur kit. Here we are talking about independent preparation of all the necessary components. The motorist is faced with the question of where exactly to get them and how to pick up a set so that everything fits. Without appropriate experience and certain knowledge it is difficult to do. But you can save a lot of money.
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I do not know what exactly you will choose, but I want to give one piece of advice. Buy an electric actuator equipped with an inertia mechanism. This will allow you to disconnect the drive when there is some obstacle in the way of luggage compartment’s cover movement. Roughly speaking, the drive won’t pinch your arm or head when you’re wiggling in the trunk.
So, inertial mechanism is very useful thing.
If we talk about assembling a homemade kit, then it is important to assemble a few basic elements. These include:
- Electric window elevator module 2 pieces;
- 2 mechanisms for lifting the glass;
- wires;
- diodes;
- electromagnetic relay;
- five-pin relays;
- four-pin relays;
- relay connection block;
- cover lock springs;
- electrical tools;
- wiring;
- nuts, bolts;
- grinder, etc.
As you can see, the set is quite impressive. So think about whether you should try to assemble a kit by yourself. Sometimes it is much easier and even more cost-effective to buy a ready-made factory set with a warranty and all the associated benefits. Price does not always play a key role.
Features of the device
To open the trunk remotely, automakers use two basic methods. The first is to install an electric actuator in the lid, and the second involves the use of pneumatic actuators. The latter option is considered more reliable, but also more expensive.
Control of the cover by means of an electric actuator is also realized in different ways. This can involve buttons on the dashboard, buttons on the doors, handles on the trunk itself and remote controls. Each option looks attractive and potentially convenient. Therefore, the motorist is required to decide what kind of result he wants to get. It is important to understand that the remote control is convenient, but you can easily lose it. Plus, the installation involves a very complex set of works. Because of this, the most optimal is considered the output of the button inside the cabin of the car.
The device of the electric actuator includes several main components. Actuator with an electric motor is quite practical, reliable, durable and enduring in active use. It is less common to see actuators, where magnetic plates are involved. The design is more complicated, can create a number of additional problems. It is better not to use them.
An indisputable advantage of the device is that it is quite realistic to install on your own, and almost any machine. If you read various forums, explore the work of various artists, which only Moscow includes several hundred, as well as the whole of Ukraine, you can see clear examples of the implementation of electric drive on a wide list of models and brands of cars.
For illustration, here are some examples where this system is available from a factory or can be installed by your own forces:
- Audi Q5;
- Kia Optima;
- Mercedes W211;
- Volkswagen Touareg;
- Chevrolet Niva;
- VAZ 2170 (Priora sedan);
- Lada Vesta SV;
- Ford Kuga 2 generation;
- VAZ 2114;
- VAZ 2115;
- VAZ 2104;
- Lada Granta;
- Skoda Superb, etc.
There are really many variants. It is almost impossible to list them all. That is, you understand that it is possible to install the electric trunk lid drive on any car.
Installation of a regular electric drive on the Lada
Ladas “tenth” family of the latest years of production are equipped with an electric opening / closing the trunk directly at the factory. In the earlier series of cars such equipment is missing, so the owners will have to install the electric trunk with their own hands.
Our example provides the operation of the electric trunk through a separate button in the cabin. Some alarm systems have an additional feature – to open the luggage compartment, so it is to this system we will connect the electric trunk drive. You will need the mechanism itself and a mounting plate for installation.
If there is an electric actuator in the universal set, the mounting brackets will need to make themselves.
In addition, you will need four meters of electrical wire and a push-button switch.
Before installing the electric actuator is necessary to disconnect the minus terminal of the battery. Then mount the lock drive and remove the protective cover by removing the fixing clips. Using pliers, straighten the rear end of the electric actuator, unscrew the screw fixing the rod, but not completely. The pull of the lock actuator is disassembled. Now the compartment does not open from the outside, because the lock release mechanism is disconnected from the lock cylinder.
Next, on the trunk lid booster you should mark the places of drilling mounting holes for the electric actuator attached to the lock. According to the marks with an electric drill drill holes with a diameter of 3 mm. Then it is necessary to bend the rod and from 4 mm steel wire to make a U-shaped bracket of such width so that its edges without effort entered into places of exit flanges of the actuator shell.
It is necessary to pre-cut M4 threads on each end of the bracket. Finally, fix the actuator using the prepared bracket and connect the pull rod lock to it.
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The green wire on the electric actuator carries current to the button due to the retraction of the rod. This wire runs next to the native wiring harness. To the blue wire, which is the minus, connect the ground. You can power from any bare section of the car body. Cabin button installed on the dashboard in the left corner of the mounting block.
To it from the strip Sh1 (pin 2) will be connected to the operating voltage. After assembly, you can test the functionality of the system by pressing the cabin button. Everything should work clearly.
Criteria for selecting the electric lock
Buying an electric trunk lid lock, you need to be serious about the choice. Our market offers many different devices in different price categories, but it is better to exclude cheap variants at once. Such a unit will not be able to work for a long time, because the low price, as a rule, is due to the same quality of production of the device. Therefore Chinese variants are immediately excluded – in this case it is better to give preference to Russian or imported devices.
Buying a device, immediately take into account how it will be managed. For example, if it will be opened by a button, then you can buy a simple device, which can be easily installed with your own hands. But if you want the device to work from the alarm key fob, then it is recommended to take a more complex electrical device, and the connection procedure should be performed by a qualified electrician.
To date, several models of devices can be found on sale, according to the type they come in:
- Standard. Such systems are equipped with side locks and they cost less.
- Reinforced. Their cost is higher, but their quality is higher. In addition, such devices will be more reliable in terms of operation.
Experts recommend to give preference to devices with an inertial mechanism. Due to this, the electric motor will have a lower load, because when the rod will come up against an obstacle, it will simply turn off (video author – Sergei).
Electric tailgate with their own hands
Many modern cars from the factory come with a full electric package. And one of the available functions is to close and open the trunk or tailgate. On older cars, there are no such conveniences, but the electric trunk drive with their own hands will be able to make any willing motorist. It is worth noting that the opening is much easier to implement than closing. To do this, it is enough to put more powerful springs or shock absorbers. But to implement the function of closing it is necessary to install the electric drive.
Ways to implement an electric actuator
There are a total of two types of trunk lid actuation: pneumatic and electric. The first seems more complicated due to the fact that it has a compressor, a receiver, and the air is constantly under pressure. The cost of such designs is quite high, but they do not take a lot of reliability. Such mechanisms should be monitored as closely as possible, because high pressure affects the elements of the device.
Opening and closing the trunk should be carried out in several ways. It is recommended to put a button on the bulkhead or the driver’s door. In parallel to this button, you can install a relay controlled by the alarm or remote central locking. On sale you can find a variety of devices to implement the opening and closing of the doors. Car alarms and remote central locking systems have several redundant channels, which are connected to the trunk lid opening control buttons. But this will be described in more detail later.
Electric trunk lid lock actuator: peculiarities of functioning
Let us start with the fact that the option to open the trunk door from the cabin, appeared relatively recently. As a result, the owners of cars equipped with such a function, have not yet had time to get used to the novelty. In order to actuate the electric trunk lid and open it, it is necessary to press the button. There is nothing particularly difficult, but for how much easier the procedure itself, especially in the cold season.
By the way, the installation of the electric boot lid helps the drivers more than ever during winter, when it is not possible to open the frozen lock with the key.
Most of car owners start mercilessly pouring boiling water on it, heat key with lighter, splash in its core with different defrosting agents. If the electric trunk lock drive was installed on the car, this problem would be solved by itself.
With the electric trunk door lock installed on the car, the trunk door can be opened and closed with a key. Earlier such additions were used only in cars made abroad. Recently, however, the majority of domestic vehicles have an electric opening trunk among its regular devices. If it so happens that the acquired car is not equipped with such a useful option, do not be sad, because the electric boot door can be installed with your own hands.
Advantages of electric drive
We can not say that this device is a novelty, since such designs have been used in the industry for many years. True, the dimensions there are larger, and the control is slightly different. The main advantage of the drive is that it is installed together with the main stationary lock. Therefore the possibility of burglary is excluded.
The opening is realized quite simply – with the central locking drive and a button. The drive opens the trunk latch, and due to the springs it goes to the upper position. But the closing function is to realize a little more difficult – you need to put an electric motor or pneumatic system, limit switches, bars to the drive trunk lid.
Features of the device
To open the trunk remotely, automakers use two basic methods. The first is to install an electric actuator in the lid, and the second involves the use of pneumatic actuators. The latter option is considered more reliable, but also more expensive.
Control of the cover by means of an electric actuator is also realized in different ways. This can involve buttons on the dashboard, buttons on the doors, handles on the trunk itself and remote controls. Each option looks attractive and potentially convenient. Therefore, the motorist is required to decide what kind of result he wants to get. It is important to understand that the remote control is convenient, but you can easily lose it. Plus, the installation involves a very complex set of works. Because of this, the most optimal is considered the output of the button inside the cabin of the car.
The device of the electric actuator includes several main components. Actuator with an electric motor is quite practical, reliable, durable and enduring in active use. It is less common to see actuators, where magnetic plates are involved. The design is more complicated, can create a number of additional problems. It is better not to use them.
Features of the electric actuator
There are many different elements in the design, they are important for the operation of the drive. Most often use systems that are based on an electric motor. They are practical, durable, reliable. Sometimes you can find trunk lid opening designs with actuators on magnetic plates. These are complex mechanisms, with which there will be much more problems. As for the installation on older VAZ cars, it is better to refrain from it. These cars are not designed for the use of such a device.
Without much difficulty, you can install the electric trunk drive with your own hands. But approach with special attention to the choice of equipment and control option. The standard type of control is the installation of buttons in the cabin. To open or close the trunk remotely, you will need to buy an additional control unit and properly connect it to the drive. If you have no experience in installing electrics, it is better to give all these cases in the hands of professionals.
How to install
Self-installation on the power of most motorists, there is nothing complicated about it. The entire action consists of three points, which are described in detail in the electric actuator guide.
- Assemble all the tools and materials;
- The actual installation of the drive on the door;
- Installing and fixing the button (if the control will be from the cabin).
The installation of the drive itself is pretty simple, with the electrics and wires will have to tinker, and it is better to invite a person who knows only in wires. It is clear that to begin with de-energize the system, that is, take off the terminals from the battery. According to the diagram in the guide, connect the actuator. If something is not clear, you can get information from the network or an electrician you know.
It is better to do the installation in a car service center
Installation still need to make a couple of small holes on the door to install the connection to the regular lock of the trunk. Make sure that the lock closes smoothly and freely. And don’t save time and effort on neat wiring. If you pull it on and it will do, then later we can get short circuits and other problems. Pull through the regular lines and places. It’s best to solder and insulate the joints.
After installation and connection, restore power to the network, check the operation of the drive. And pay attention to the power springs, so that it did not turn out that the trunk lid is too heavy, and the drive does not have enough traction.
The first installation option
In order to implement the design, you can use two ways. And the very first is to buy standard products designed for the electric trunk drive. It is best to take with a reserve. System components should be reinforced, the materials used for their manufacture – only high quality. Of course, the cost of such a set will not be small, but you will be sure that it will serve you for many years and will not break at the most inopportune moment. The presence of an inertial mechanism is welcome, because it is with its help the drive will turn off if there is an obstacle in the way of the trunk lid movement.
Video “System work in the car Kia Optima”
Description of the work and connection of the system in the car Kia Optima in the video below (the author of the video – Evgeny Sokolov).
Car enthusiasts know that most modern foreign cars are equipped with an automatic opening / closing the trunk with a special button. The mechanism is operated by an electric drive, saving the owner from having to slam the lid every time. Whether it is possible to retrofit your car with such a mechanism, we will consider below.
To automatically open the trunk “reinvent the wheel” is not needed. It will be enough to put the usual springs, as is common among the car owners Lada Granta. To close the luggage compartment with a button will already require a mechanism driven by an electric motor. Foreign cars are usually equipped with two electric actuators, a control unit and a button in the cabin.
The pneumatic drive is considered more reliable, and the electric drive belongs to budget variants.
For example, let’s analyze the principle of operation of the trunk closing mechanism of Volkswagen cars.
The set of tailgate, equipped with an electric drive, includes two motors, placed in the control units of the trunk lid, and the lock hinge with a door closer.
Main parts for assembly Luggage compartment door diagram Electric motor installation Luggage compartment lid parts
The luggage compartment can be opened in several ways
- by pressing the button on the remote control;
- the same button on the driver’s door;
- mechanically using the outside handle.
The trunk can be closed manually or by using the button on the door panel.
The opening/closing motors of the trunk are fitted with a force limiter so that they stop if there is an obstacle in the path of the lid. This interrupts the opening process. The limiter works the same way when closing the lid, interrupting the movement of the mechanism and shifting its position slightly backwards.
To manually open or close the luggage compartment, a slightly higher force must be applied to the lid than normal, resulting in disengagement of the actuator.
If there is a malfunction in the electric circuits of the luggage compartment drive, the motors are not deactivated, i.e. they remain mechanically connected to the lid. It is therefore necessary to exert great force to open or close the door in this case.
The second way of realization
And the second way is the most interesting – you assemble and install all components of the electric trunk lock drive yourself. At the same time, you use partially ready-made elements. As a rule, many car enthusiasts install electric actuators, made on the basis of some standard mechanism. Be sure to use inertial mechanisms, so that if there is an obstacle in the way of the trunk does not fail the electric motor.
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When using a simple motor will fail in the presence of an obstacle – the voltage will continue to be applied to the windings, and the rotor will stand still. As a result, the windings will simply burn out.
What you need for mounting
It is not recommended to install an electric actuator on older cars. The design is not designed for the installation of such devices, you will have to change and redo everything, which will take a lot of effort and time. But you can install a trunk opening button if there are already shock absorbers or springs. Even if you plan to put a factory-made electric actuator, you will need to have such a tool:
- An electric drill.
- Wrenches (angle grinder).
- Keys, screwdrivers, hammer – you can’t do without these tools.
In addition, you need to buy such devices and parts:
- Electric window lifters for classic VAZ cars in the amount of two pieces.
- Power window control module.
- Wires, lugs, heat shrink insulation.
- Solid state diodes.
- Electromagnetic relays with 4 and 5 pins.
- Pads for electromagnetic relays.
- It is recommended to buy the springs used in the trunk drive of VAZ cars of the tenth family.
When you buy all these elements and prepare the tools, you can proceed to install the electric trunk drive on your car. Below we will consider in detail all stages of the work.
Assembly of the drive
It can not be said that the assembly procedure is overly complicated. Any motorist who knows how to handle tools will be able to do everything. Of course, you will still have to work with a soldering iron to properly connect the wires and diodes to the relay and control device.
It is recommended to carry out the installation of the drive with control from the regular alarm system, the order of work is as follows:
- First you need to finalize the mechanism of the trunk lid drive. To do this, remove the electric motor and unfold it so that it can function along the rail. All unnecessary parts of the plates should be trimmed with a grinder.
- You make a perforated steel strip for the fasteners.
- Install the slats and drive motors on the perforated bar. The entire structure must be placed on the body panels. It is desirable to reinforce the places of installation in advance.
- One edge of the mechanism, which is not engaged, should be fixed to the holders on the cover.
- Carry out the adjustment of the mechanism.
After the work on the installation of the drive elements, you can start connecting the electronic component.
Wiring
Be sure to think in advance how you will lay the wiring harness. The main thing is to avoid damage in places where there is a bend. In case there are other wires next to the new harness, it is recommended to connect them with plastic clamps. The control unit is best placed in the trunk to reduce the length of the control circuits. It will turn out that inside the trunk you will only have to pull power and control wires (to the trunk opening and closing buttons).
As for the wiring diagram, something specific is not worth recommending, because it depends on what components are used in the system. As an example, the article gives a simple diagram of the connection of the elements of the drive system.
Peculiarities of connection of the electric actuator
Now that all the wires are in place, you can connect them to the control unit. Try to observe the polarity so as not to damage the semiconductor elements. Specialists recommend using a separate cable for connection, which should be connected to the battery through the fuse.
The wire size and fuse rating depends on how much power the drive has. If you are using a universal electric trunk drive or for your particular make of car, it is best to install the control buttons in the lower part of the torpedo. But only in such a way that you could not accidentally snag it while driving.
Equipping a domestic car with a power trunk
If you are installing an electric opening and closing the trunk on a domestic car (for example, VAZ), the only basic elements of the mechanism, which are already far from cheap, will not be enough. Will need more trunk closer installation. Therefore, this method of modification is irrational.
For domestic cars will suit a cheaper and simpler solution, such as the use of electric windows.
To bring this idea to life, you need to buy two ESP mechanism (for example, consider products worth about three thousand rubles), the trunk lid control button (type 21100-3710620, cost – 50 rubles) and auto window closing module (brand DenUp-RWC702m, price – 500 rubles).
In our example, the power windows are installed in the luggage compartment of the Lada Priora using a simple connection. The rear edge of the ESP rail is screwed to the crossmember at the back of the seat, on which the shelf rests. The front end of the power window bracket with a welded nut is screwed to the rear window mount beam. To do this, a slot is cut in the beam, which would pass the nut M6.