Help solve an electrical problem

My buddy has a '50 Olds with an electronic trunk release. Its a button mounted in the ashtray that activates a solenoid and trunk popper. You know...standard stuff. When he gets on the highway and gets up to speed... POP! The trunk opens. Any ideas how to run down the problem without me riding in the trunk on the highway with a tester??? Lol

 

First, try removing the power wire from the switch and taking a ride. My immediate thought is that mebbe it is not an electrical problem but a weak latch popped open by an aerodynamic issue at X miles per hour..

 

Or a shitty switch that closes when bumped.

 

I second unhooking the switch and trying it. If that stops it, replace the switch. If it happens with a new switch, I would suspect a shorted wire.

 

I'm with Bruce on this one, especially if it is repeatable. I do think the "ride in the trunk" thing might be a good entry for tech week.

 

Check the mechanical aspect of it, too!
If the cable, or rod that goes to the latch doesn't let the latch completely return to it's "neutral" state, it will latch, but pop open when you hit a bump. My 55 Olds did that for the longest time, until I found it!

 

I think Bruce is on to something here...

 

Thanks guys. I passed on your suggestions. I'll let you know how it works out

 

Zombie -

How did this turn out? Electrical? Mechanical? Weak latch?

 

Hey, wait a minute, that ride in the trunk thing might be ok. That is a big trunk and there is a trunk light to keep you out of the dark. Jusk kidding, go with Bruce's idea.