Gen 1 Avalon Boot Release

[OzFab]

As many of you know, I recently bought a 2000 (Australian, 1996 US) model Toyota Avalon but the electric boot release is not working. The solenoid is working fine as I switched it with a known good unit, the problem is in the wiring. using the button on the keyfob gains the same result as the button in the glove box, the system registers & the horn chirps but, the boot refuses to open...

All attempts to google the issue have failed. I've checked all fuses, which seem to be ok. While inspecting the glovebox release switch I also noticed there is no power to the glovebox light; are the two connected? What fuse should I be looking for? Some suggestions say "dome light fuse" which is ok & all the interior lights work...

I started a thread on the Toyota owners club forum but, as you will see, I haven't had much luck so far...

I could really use some help with this one; a link to a wiring diagram would be extremely helpful...

 

[landuse]

Sorry Tony, this is out of my league

 

[crazykart]

Bear with me as I'm not familiar with that vehicle, but can give you general advice.

Guessing the trunk is the boot to you.

You've checked all fuses, both inside the cabin and under the hood?
None blown at all?

Is the boot key accessible?

Do you have a vom (volt/ohm meter)?

My first guess would be a bad ground.

Open the trunk with the key if you can, and start checking wires for current.

Make sure it's getting power first off, may have to press the button on the key fob while checking.

If so make sure it's getting ground as well.

If not on one or the other then that's your problem.

If it is on both then start tracing wires and continue checking.

Since it doesn't work on either the key fob or the glove box button I would say that the motor that operates it inside of the trunk is either bad, or the more likely cause of having a bad ground or not getting power/too much resistance.

That's the best advice I can give sadly.

 

[landuse]

Bear with me as I'm not familiar with that vehicle, but can give you general advice.

Guessing the trunk is the boot to you.

You've checked all fuses, both inside the cabin and under the hood?
None blown at all?

Is the boot key accessible?

Do you have a vom (volt/ohm meter)?

My first guess would be a bad ground.

Open the trunk with the key if you can, and start checking wires for current.

Make sure it's getting power first off, may have to press the button on the key fob while checking.

If so make sure it's getting ground as well.

If not on one or the other then that's your problem.

If it is on both then start tracing wires and continue checking.

Since it doesn't work on either the key fob or the glove box button I would say that the motor that operates it inside of the trunk is either bad, or the more likely cause of having a bad ground or not getting power/too much resistance.

That's the best advice I can give sadly.

Sounds like a good start to me

 

[chancer]

Huh Huh he said boot! JK. That is one of those words like Trolley. and w ***er
Sorry cant help.

 

[itsid]

Well...

what crazykart said!

plus (and to me first of all after checking the fuses):
make sure the mechanical lock is in good working condition,
de- then regrease if in doubt.
Also check tension of the trunk lid (or is that boot cap for you down there )
Anywhoo, too much tension can block the mechanical part,
so if you need serious forces to close the trunk, chances are that's the problem opening it.

And, since your glovebox isn't lit either.. check it's ground first (I think the button and light share a ground and that's your troublemaker)
if not.. trace as by crazykart's recommendation.

'sid

 

[OzFab]

Thanks for the tips guys (except chancer, that was useless ), I'll get the multimeter out... I think my first checkpoint will be the ground at the glove box & go on from there (the ol' "start at the source" routine)...

The mechanical release works fine; it's a little hard to close but, only by a minute amount, nothing drastic, & it opens fine with the key...

Oh, yes, boot = trunk

 

[itsid]

The mechanical release works fine; it's a little hard to close but, only by a minute amount, nothing drastic, & it opens fine with the key...

Okay, but keep that in mind and reenqueue it in the checklist

chances are you can provide more force turning the key, than the motor can.. or some sheer mechanical wizardry is going on.
So if all else fails, readjust the trunk lid.

'sid

 

[OzFab]

I understand what you're saying & why but, it doesn't even activate when the boot is open... no power to the solenoid...

 

[itsid]

ahhhh, I must have missed that info earlier
not too easy to spot subtext in foreign tongues

How's the tracing going?
Anything we (as in WE watch YOU work) ruled out so far?

'sid

[EDIT]
maybe this can help...

http://autolib.diakom.ru/CAR/Toyota/1997/Avalon/SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS/12083.pdf

Some more door unlocking with antitheft:
http://autolib.diakom.ru/CAR/Toyota/1997/Avalon/SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS/12069.pdf
http://autolib.diakom.ru/CAR/Toyota/1997/Avalon/SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS/12070.pdf

and without:
http://autolib.diakom.ru/CAR/Toyota/1997/Avalon/SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS/12071.pdf