Jump to content
CaddyInfo Cadillac Forum

Trunk opened on its own...


adallak

Recommended Posts

I remember someone complaining on his trunk opening on its own. Now, I have got the same problem! :) What's the cure? I did not touch the remote and am pretty sure nobody did it to my car either.

The saddest thing in life is wasted talent

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I remember someone complaining on his trunk opening on its own. Now, I have got the same problem! :) What's the cure? I did not touch the remote and am pretty sure nobody did it to my car either.

I recall we concluded it was caused by voltage variations caused by either dirty contacts, or poor grounds. Remember there may be more than one ground - so it might not be so obvious where the poor connection is.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I remember someone complaining on his trunk opening on its own. Now, I have got the same problem! :) What's the cure? I did not touch the remote and am pretty sure nobody did it to my car either.

I recall we concluded it was caused by voltage variations caused by either dirty contacts, or poor grounds. Remember there may be more than one ground - so it might not be so obvious where the poor connection is.

Thank you. All grounds and contacts I can see are in great shape. Nevertheless, my Fleetwood does give me a hard time because of obviously electrical glitches... I have disabled remote trunk opener for now.

The saddest thing in life is wasted talent

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If the whole system is glitchy, I would suspect the battery cables and the engine ground.

Although you have the 4.9 and I have a 1997 with the Northstar, I believe that my FSM electrical system diagrams are applicable to your car unless they pertain to emissions (OBD I vs. OBD II) or the engine electrical, so I'll use that. Ground distribution is in section 8A-14.

Of course you should remove, inspect, and clean the contacts on the battery cable. There are three spades in the positive connector and two on the ground connector. Pry them all out of the plastic covers and clean between them. Add a copper washer from the auto parts store if they aren't tight so that each cable won't turn on the battery bolt when you put it back.

One battery cable ground is on the right side radiator support. Torque is 17 N*m (12.4 lb-ft). The other is also the engine ground, and is on the engine near the alternator (low on the right side on the Northstar) and uses the same torque.

All the front external lights eventually go to G101, on the left radiator support. Again 17 N*m (12.4 lb-ft).

The RFA (fob module) ground is G400, which is under the rear seat. Torque is 9 N*m (79.5 lb-in).

The most likely culprit for multiple electrical glitches is corrosion between the spades of the positive battery terminal.

CTS-V_LateralGs_6-2018_tiny.jpg
-- Click Here for CaddyInfo page on "How To" Read Your OBD Codes
-- Click Here for my personal page to download my OBD code list as an Excel file, plus other Cadillac data
-- See my CaddyInfo car blogs: 2011 CTS-V, 1997 ETC
Yes, I was Jims_97_ETC before I changed cars.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If the whole system is glitchy, I would suspect the battery cables and the engine ground.

Although you have the 4.9 and I have a 1997 with the Northstar, I believe that my FSM electrical system diagrams are applicable to your car unless they pertain to emissions (OBD I vs. OBD II) or the engine electrical, so I'll use that. Ground distribution is in section 8A-14.

Of course you should remove, inspect, and clean the contacts on the battery cable. There are three spades in the positive connector and two on the ground connector. Pry them all out of the plastic covers and clean between them. Add a copper washer from the auto parts store if they aren't tight so that each cable won't turn on the battery bolt when you put it back.

One battery cable ground is on the right side radiator support. Torque is 17 N*m (12.4 lb-ft). The other is also the engine ground, and is on the engine near the alternator (low on the right side on the Northstar) and uses the same torque.

All the front external lights eventually go to G101, on the left radiator support. Again 17 N*m (12.4 lb-ft).

The RFA (fob module) ground is G400, which is under the rear seat. Torque is 9 N*m (79.5 lb-in).

The most likely culprit for multiple electrical glitches is corrosion between the spades of the positive battery terminal.

Jim, thanks for the reply, but this is Chevy small block 5.7 liter engine. The cables are NOT similar to ones on Northstars. The car is a Florida one, no rust issues whatsoever. Nevertheless, I check all battery cables and grounds periodically. For some reason, connectors on this car act up from time to time. Washer pump did it several times, EGR connector, ABS connector. Now, trunk opens... Lots of fun is expected in the middle of winter! :)

The saddest thing in life is wasted talent

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If the whole system is glitchy, I would suspect the battery cables and the engine ground.

Although you have the 4.9 and I have a 1997 with the Northstar, I believe that my FSM electrical system diagrams are applicable to your car unless they pertain to emissions (OBD I vs. OBD II) or the engine electrical, so I'll use that. Ground distribution is in section 8A-14.

Of course you should remove, inspect, and clean the contacts on the battery cable. There are three spades in the positive connector and two on the ground connector. Pry them all out of the plastic covers and clean between them. Add a copper washer from the auto parts store if they aren't tight so that each cable won't turn on the battery bolt when you put it back.

One battery cable ground is on the right side radiator support. Torque is 17 N*m (12.4 lb-ft). The other is also the engine ground, and is on the engine near the alternator (low on the right side on the Northstar) and uses the same torque.

All the front external lights eventually go to G101, on the left radiator support. Again 17 N*m (12.4 lb-ft).

The RFA (fob module) ground is G400, which is under the rear seat. Torque is 9 N*m (79.5 lb-in).

The most likely culprit for multiple electrical glitches is corrosion between the spades of the positive battery terminal.

Jim, thanks for the reply, but this is Chevy small block 5.7 liter engine. The cables are NOT similar to ones on Northstars. The car is a Florida one, no rust issues whatsoever. Nevertheless, I check all battery cables and grounds periodically. For some reason, connectors on this car act up from time to time. Washer pump did it several times, EGR connector, ABS connector. Now, trunk opens... Lots of fun is expected in the middle of winter! :)

Hi Adallak! Curious, was the engine ever cleaned/steam cleaned?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If the whole system is glitchy, I would suspect the battery cables and the engine ground.

Although you have the 4.9 and I have a 1997 with the Northstar, I believe that my FSM electrical system diagrams are applicable to your car unless they pertain to emissions (OBD I vs. OBD II) or the engine electrical, so I'll use that. Ground distribution is in section 8A-14.

Of course you should remove, inspect, and clean the contacts on the battery cable. There are three spades in the positive connector and two on the ground connector. Pry them all out of the plastic covers and clean between them. Add a copper washer from the auto parts store if they aren't tight so that each cable won't turn on the battery bolt when you put it back.

One battery cable ground is on the right side radiator support. Torque is 17 N*m (12.4 lb-ft). The other is also the engine ground, and is on the engine near the alternator (low on the right side on the Northstar) and uses the same torque.

All the front external lights eventually go to G101, on the left radiator support. Again 17 N*m (12.4 lb-ft).

The RFA (fob module) ground is G400, which is under the rear seat. Torque is 9 N*m (79.5 lb-in).

The most likely culprit for multiple electrical glitches is corrosion between the spades of the positive battery terminal.

Jim, thanks for the reply, but this is Chevy small block 5.7 liter engine. The cables are NOT similar to ones on Northstars. The car is a Florida one, no rust issues whatsoever. Nevertheless, I check all battery cables and grounds periodically. For some reason, connectors on this car act up from time to time. Washer pump did it several times, EGR connector, ABS connector. Now, trunk opens... Lots of fun is expected in the middle of winter! :)

Hi Adallak! Curious, was the engine ever cleaned/steam cleaned?

Hello, Fireworksman! :) I bought the car from a dealer two years ago and am pretty sure they powerwashed the engine bay... :( I think remote trunk circuit is controlled with body control module. I will locate that particular ground and check/clean it up. As far as I know, it is in the trunk.

The saddest thing in life is wasted talent

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was the one that had my96 deville randomly open. it did it once without expanation, and hasnt done it again. no issues otherwise. I couldnt explain it.

GM FAN FOREVER

Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was the one that had my96 deville randomly open. it did it once without expanation, and hasnt done it again. no issues otherwise. I couldnt explain it.

If I were you I would disabled that feature by disconnecting a connector. There are three connectors in that area. Two of them are hanging on the wires. The third one is attached to the lock. You need to disconnect that.

You know if that happened once it may happen again. You do not want it to happen when it rains or the car is left in the parking lot of an airport for a few days.

The saddest thing in life is wasted talent

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was the one that had my96 deville randomly open. it did it once without expanation, and hasnt done it again. no issues otherwise. I couldnt explain it.

I did some "googling" and most of suggestions were related to a bad battery. How's your battery when it happened? Did you load tested it?

The saddest thing in life is wasted talent

Link to comment
Share on other sites

no battery issues. dont want to disconnect anything. I will take my chances lol. I love my remote trunk release.

GM FAN FOREVER

Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My 91 STS has had the trunk open for what I thought was no reason maybe three times.

BUT the remote was in my pocket each time.

The remote for the trunk seems to have more distance power than the doors. No reason understood for that though.

Same receiver right? It even works through the house wall.

But I'm sure I brushed by something or touched my pocket at the time.

I'm sure the trunk button is just touchier than the others

Bob B

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Im inclined to agree with the remote in the pocket cause. Over on another forum they have been buying covers for the fob which recesses the buttons and seems to keep them from getting accidentally pushed. Inexpensive even if they dont help. Mine is rubber that also keeps it from trying to slide out of my pants pocket in a couch or chair. I did have it fall out at a basketball game in a large coliseum, four hours from home, luckily I found it that time. I now keep a spare just in case too.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My fuel door opens by itself about three or four times a year. But always when the keys are in my pocket and I'm within about 15 feet of the car, usually when I'm fumbling to get the keys out of my pocket. My wife's Pontiac has its panic button theft alarm (BEEEP BEEEP BEEEP...) go off on about the same basis, usually when the keys are in my pocket and I'm fumbling for my Swiss Army Super Tinkerer (think McGuyver). Note my wife's fob doesn't work, but mine does. No codes.:rolleyes:

CTS-V_LateralGs_6-2018_tiny.jpg
-- Click Here for CaddyInfo page on "How To" Read Your OBD Codes
-- Click Here for my personal page to download my OBD code list as an Excel file, plus other Cadillac data
-- See my CaddyInfo car blogs: 2011 CTS-V, 1997 ETC
Yes, I was Jims_97_ETC before I changed cars.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My fuel door opens by itself about three or four times a year. But always when the keys are in my pocket and I'm within about 15 feet of the car, usually when I'm fumbling to get the keys out of my pocket. My wife's Pontiac has its panic button theft alarm (BEEEP BEEEP BEEEP...) go off on about the same basis, usually when the keys are in my pocket and I'm fumbling for my Swiss Army Super Tinkerer (think McGuyver). Note my wife's fob doesn't work, but mine does. No codes.:rolleyes:

The good thing is that there is no fuel door on my Fleetwood! :) Well, I cannot exclude the remote completely, but am pretty sure there was another reason for trunk opening by itself.

The saddest thing in life is wasted talent

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Speaking of remotes,

Someone somewhere said that if you hold it to your chin then press it it will work for a greater distance.

Sounds funny! But I tried it and as long as it touches skin (Avoid the beard) it appears to be true.

Bob B

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Speaking of remotes,

Someone somewhere said that if you hold it to your chin then press it it will work for a greater distance.

Sounds funny! But I tried it and as long as it touches skin (Avoid the beard) it appears to be true.

Bob B

I need to try that.... mine has a pretty long range already...so it may be hard to tell.

Posted Image
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Speaking of remotes,

Someone somewhere said that if you hold it to your chin then press it it will work for a greater distance.

Sounds funny! But I tried it and as long as it touches skin (Avoid the beard) it appears to be true.

Bob B

Yep, I have tried and it did work.

The saddest thing in life is wasted talent

Link to comment
Share on other sites

it helps if you have gold teeth, and if you turn it not 90* but 45* below your chin lol.

I still try it and it is a 50/50 as to whether it works or not

GM FAN FOREVER

Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Load-tested the battery and it was fine. So, must be something else affecting that trunk release. Anyway, it is disabled now so I can sleep well.

The saddest thing in life is wasted talent

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...