I'm fooling around with my 89 GL wagon, and am thinking about trying to install a dash-mounted rear tailgate release switch (like 85's & 86's).

I could not find an OEM connector behind the usual knockout on the dash, so I'm assuming this option was designed out of the wiring harness by the 89 model year.

 

Has anyone added this feature to a latter model EA82? Are there any shortcuts short of splicing in a section of the harness from an 85/86?

 

thanks, John

im curious do you mean an unlock switch or a release (openinging) switch?

I added it to my '86 and still had to fish the harness through the rear gate and down to a connection near the taillight. It would have been a pain to run all that stuff up to the dash and find power for it. In '89 I think the feature was incorporated into the central locking system of the gl-10's. You could pull all that stuff from a donor and add power windows while your at it. Lots a work. If your just after the rear gate, you might look into a cheap alarm system with remote locking/unlocking. There is some stuff on ebay to be had for little money.

It is not a release or opener switch if you are refering to the stock switch. Just unlocks the hatch. The operation was tied into the central door locks.

I was referring to a release switch, which pops the tailgate open at the dash. Maybe I'm wrong, but I thought that is how my 86 was set up.

The door lock system is tied into tailgate on the 89, but no way to release the tailgate from inside the car. Probably not worth the effort if it is a complete retrofit from dash to tailgate.

I've got an 86 GL10 scoped out at the yard, and I'll check it out Sat to see if this feature was offered on that particular model.

John

well i know on my 85 the switch just locks or unlocks the gate, the only way i have to open it is to is to pull up on the handle

Yeah, it must have been on some other car I've owned. I'm surprised Subaru never had this feature, as it is quite useful for a wagon.

I might take a stab at fabricating something that will push down the release lever from the traditional dash knockout location. I'm thinking electrical instead of mechanical. Maybe a second power lock actuator attached to the handle linkage. It shouldn't be too hard to bend a likage, and attach it to the release arm using oem retainer clips.

hmmmm...

John