TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 99-T-08, Date of Issue: March, 1999

SERVICE INFORMATION AND INSTALLATION PROCEDURES FOR TRAP-RESISTANT TRUNK KIT

APPLICATION

Model(s): 1991-99 Saturn Models

Group/Seq. No.: Body - 05

Corporation No.: 99-08-66-003

Bulletin No.: 99-T-08

Date: March, 1999

VEHICLES AFFECTED

1991 - 1999 Saturn vehicles

PURPOSE

The purpose of this bulletin is to inform Saturn Retailer personnel of the system function and procedure used to install the Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit.

The Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit is composed of three system components.

The first component of the kit is the trap-resistant latch system. The trap-resistant latch is a modified decklid latch designed to help prevent a child from unintentionally closing and latching the decklid. Once the decklid has been opened by the key, vehicle interior release lever, or remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitter, the trap-resistant latch cannot be re-latched without the user performing a reset function. This reset function consists of cycling the latch reset lever twice after the decklid has been opened in order to enable the latch. If the latch is not enabled, the decklid will not latch and will not close.

The second component of the kit is the illuminated interior release handle. The interior release handle is a plastic yellow handle, pocketed in a black plastic housing, which is mounted inside the trunk to the decklid. The interior release handle was designed so that a small child trapped in the trunk could use it to open the decklid. The handle operates the decklid latch mechanically and is illuminated with two light-emitting diodes (LEDs) when the decklid is closed. The handle remains illuminated for a period of approximately one hour after the decklid is closed. The LEDs create a small parasitic load that will not drain the vehicle battery with normal usage.

The third component of the kit is the seat back tether system. The seat back tether system helps prevent a child from gaining access to the trunk of a vehicle from the vehicle interior. The seat back tether system utilizes two elastic straps (one per folding seat back), each permanently connected to a T-handle retainer mounted to the rear window panel in the trunk. To lock the folding seat backs, the user can partially fold down the seat backs and attach the elastic strap to a T-handle retainer mounted to the seat backs. When the elastic straps are attached to the T-handle retainers, the seat backs cannot be folded down. To unlock the seat backs, the elastic straps must be removed from the retainers attached to the seat backs.

After completing the Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit installation procedure, use the steps at the end of the procedure to verify proper system function. Also, be sure to provide the customer with the supplemental owner's handbook insert included in the kit and demonstrate the system function.

PROCEDURES

TRAP-RESISTANT LATCH AND INTERIOR RELEASE HANDLE INSTALLATION

Remove the 10A BODY fuse from instrument panel fuse block.
Open decklid.
On 1991 - 1995 models, remove and discard black plastic decklid latch cover.
Remove decklid latch retaining bolts. See Fig 1 .
Disconnect vehicle interior release cable.
For Sedans, disconnect lock cylinder rod from latch. For Coupes, remove lock cylinder rod from vehicle.
Disconnect electrical connectors.
Remove existing decklid latch and discard.
Cut out center of interior release handle template and place over interior release handle.
Select hole locations on template for appropriate vehicle type and model year.
Mark hole location(s) on release handle as shown on template. See Fig 2 .
Drill 3 mm (1/8 in.) hole at marks on handle. See Fig 3 .
Install decklid lock cylinder rod to lock cylinder and new latch.
- For Coupes, install new lock cylinder rod (included in kit).
  NOTE: 1991-1996 model year Coupes require short lock rod.

Safety Warning

Information/Installation Of Trap Resistant Trunk Kit (99-T-08)