bj1k

Everything is completed for the installation of the solenoid releases for the hood latches and the wiring of the relays etc. but I have a question for the electrical guys . I have both solenoids fused and wired separately with only one push button controlling both solenoids at the same time . I understand that each solenoid requires a 10 amp fuse but with a 10 amp fuse in each one , it will blow a fuse when both are energized at the same time . Is it under fused ? Should I be running 20 amp. or maybe 15 amp fuses in each one ? I've thoroughly checked all connections and everything seems to be wired correctly with no pinched wires .

Nick Bernier

Can you post a quick diagram of exactly how you have it wired?
Nick

bj1k

Hi Nick , As I said earlier , I don't know how to post pictures etc yet so if you send me your personal email , I would be glad to take a picture of the wiring diagram that I made up and send it to you . Later on I plan to figure out to send all of the pictures to the forum . Thanks , BJ

pwillia

I also will be very interested in seeing pictures of your installation and a video if possible.

Also, wondering what is the part number for the items you purchased from Summit Racing? It sounds from your description that they are door solenoids normally used for electrifying door opening locks and you are modifying them to use on the hood latches?

Thanks

wmf62

my WAG.... i'm guessing that the latches are exceeding the normal load capacity of the solenoids (doesn't take much to open a door latch...) and therefore are exceeding the normal amperage draw. try increasing the fuse to 15 and 20 as the load should be momentary and not adversely affect the solenoid. if you would have to hold the 'button' in other than momentary the solenoid(s) won't like that and will burn the solenoid and/or wires if it is over fused.
Bill

bj1k

Sure thing , I will be glad to share all of the information when it is completed . Everything is installed and they seem to have plenty of power but only for an instant due to the fuses blowing . It seems to be under fused so I need some information from some of the electrical experts on the forum as to using larger amp fuses . When everything is operating I will give all of the information as to parts ( Kit # ) etc. No point to doing so yet until I know everything works .

bj1k

Thanks for replying Bill . I knew that the original factory springs in the latches were too strong for the solenoids so I added adjustable counter springs on the front tabs of the latches to help lesson the pull for the solenoids . It takes very little pull now for the solenoids . I'm thinking to increase to 15 amp first and go from there but am looking for some different opinions . They are designed to work on 10 amps but that is working with only one solenoid as used in one door but it is activating both solenoids at once .

wmf62

you have not only a spring tension to overcome but also the mechanical frictional load of the latch and its connection to the pin
Bill

bj1k

I understand that . We will see. We need a solution for these latches and you have to start somewhere . It might take some trial and error but as you probably already know , I don't give up easily ..

pwillia

Was looking on the Summit website and saw some solenoids that sound like what you may have used based on the price that you mentioned in your original post (AUTSVL75)?

In the Q&A section for this part, there is a the following:

What is the size of fuse to use to protect the circuit on this solenoid?

Not sure if that helps at all, but thought I would point it out.

bj1k

The relays came with the solenoids so I would assume that they are correct but I guess I need someone with more electrical experience to tell me what amp fuse will be needed with 40 amp relays ..

firstgear

bj1k

Success, I went down to the garage this morning and popped a couple 20 amp fuses in and everything is working terrific . A slight touch of the button and the hood pops open . No more dealing with the primitive cable system . I hate cables . I already eliminated the cable system for the wipers by installing a aftermarket system . For anyone wanting to install the solenoid system I will try to post some pictures but if it don't work I can send it along with a wiring schematic through your personal email if you wish . The only thing that I had to overcome to make it work was that the springs in the latches were too strong so I added adjustable compensator springs to help pull the latches . It might have still worked without the compensator springs but it is less strain on the solenoids so they should last longer .

wmf62

Bill

bj1k

I looked up all of the pictures in my camera ( 17 ) I don't know if that is too many to post on here . If it is , I can just email them to people that are interested in installing the solenoids . Any suggestions ?

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0Corvettes by George

bj1k

Thanks Mark . Pictures sent !

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