[hurdit]

I was wondering if anyone has tackled this project. Seems simple enough to add a power trunk release. I've read many posts which talk about people who have dropped their key in the trunk and I thought having a hidden button somewhere to pop the trunk might be a cool idea.

Has anyone done this. I searched and could not find a thread on this.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[txdude]

I've read those threads too & it always makes me wonder why so many people are lacking a have a 2nd key :shrug:

Good luck in your quest.

 

[RoadDad]

Electric boot latch? - LotusTalk - The Lotus Cars Community It's toward the end of the thread...

There was another thread that detailed the release much better but I can't find it.

 

[SirLotus]

Simple no.
I have been considering this project for some time. The problem is that on the Elise the lock mechanism is on the movable lid with a very restricted working area.
Michael

I was wondering if anyone has tackled this project. Seems simple enough to add a power trunk release. I've read many posts which talk about people who have dropped their key in the trunk and I thought having a hidden button somewhere to pop the trunk might be a cool idea.

Has anyone done this. I searched and could not find a thread on this.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[rob13572468]

Simple no.
I have been considering this project for some time. The problem is that on the Elise the lock mechanism is on the movable lid with a very restricted working area.
Michael

there are alot of very lightweight actuators... there is no need to use the old style heavy metal solenoid when you can use the small 1" actuators that are now available. You can also use a pull cable if you want to move the actuator completely out of the way...

 

[tesprit]

there are alot of very lightweight actuators... there is no need to use the old style heavy metal solenoid when you can use the small 1" actuators that are now available. You can also use a pull cable if you want to move the actuator completely out of the way...

TheViper and I have looked into actuators from many different sources (industrial, automotive, RC, etc.) and we always find they won't work for some reason or another. Most are physically too large, do not have the correct stroke length, are the wrong voltage, are too weak or too powerful, are not heat rated for the temps in the engine compartment, are too expensive, or have other reasons they will not work. We even looked at using a remote actuator with a cable, but there is also the configuration of the present bracket and linkage to the latch that is difficult to address along with it being mounted to the engine lid. After examining all the potential possibilities, there is really no way to economically retrofit the present latch release assembly with an actuator unless extensive modifications to the original parts are done or a purpose built assembly is designed. We wanted to go with something simple and reliable that could be installed into the existing latch assembly, could be installed by the typical DIY guy using normal household tools, and would be relatively inexpensive to sell as a kit. In the end, the OEM design just does not allow for an easy installation/modification. I have an entire center spine from a trunk lid complete with the latch assembly still in it that I was using for mock ups just sitting here gathering dust, so I would be more than willing to take a look at it again if you have a source for actuators that we have not seen.

 

[alp]

tesprit,

Would you know if one can retrofit the Exige cabin trunk release system onto a Elise?

I looked at the Exige parts and it seems like I may have to do away with the Elise emergency trunk lever, attach a cable and run that all the way into the cabin. Does this sound feasible?

Thanks.

 

[SirLotus]

Besides the difficulty of routing and securing the "bowden tube" between the cabin, through the bulkhead and across the hinged engine cover, the greatest problem would be mounting a pulley to redirect the emergency release motion though 180'. Remember, on the Exige the locking mechanism is on a stationary body section, while on the Elise it is on the movable engine lid.
Michael

tesprit,

Would you know if one can retrofit the Exige cabin trunk release system onto a Elise?

I looked at the Exige parts and it seems like I may have to do away with the Elise emergency trunk lever, attach a cable and run that all the way into the cabin. Does this sound feasible?

Thanks.

 

[JWA]

The new 2011 facelifted Elise has an in-cabin trunk release cable. We'll need tom get a look at how that works to see if it can be retrofitted. I'd do it if it were possible.

 

[RoadDad]

So does the '11 Elise have battery terminals at the front of the car like the Exige for when the battery dies and you can't open the doors to pop the boot lid?

 

[SirLotus]

Even if there were remote battery terminals, I think the internal remote release is a very negative feature. On an earlier Elise if the battery dies you simply open the engine lid with your key and jump the battery. I much prefer the key method.
Cheers,
Michael

 

[alp]

Ah yes...it makes sense now. Thank you for the explanation!

Besides the difficulty of routing and securing the "bowden tube" between the cabin, through the bulkhead and across the hinged engine cover, the greatest problem would be mounting a pulley to redirect the emergency release motion though 180'. Remember, on the Exige the locking mechanism is on a stationary body section, while on the Elise it is on the movable engine lid.
Michael

 

[SimplyKC]

It would be nice if it was just a lockable button that was operated manually from the exterior.

 

[SirLotus]

Frankly, I prefer the manual key lock as per Elise. Look at the problems some have had after the Exige remote locking mechanism ceases to operate.
Michael

 

[darkSol]

It would be nice if it was just a lockable button that was operated manually from the exterior.

Oh like this?

http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f92/aerocatch-installed-72691/

Saved 2.1 lbs. by removing stock locking hardware too! :sheep:

 

[XtinctElise]

The touch activated Power Trunck Release system works perfectly

http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/3008561-post171.html