A Solution for the Annoying C7 Trunk Release
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 722
Likes: 342
From: Vancouver British Columbia
A Solution for the Annoying C7 Trunk Release
Sometimes all that is needed is a really rainy day. The C7 trunk release location has bothered me since I took delivery of the car. And after your knee inadvertently hits the switch and releases the trunk lid, your are required to get out of the car and go to the rear to shut it. Of course the easiest mod is to simply disconnect the switch.
A little research on OEM wiring led me to the HUD control panel as a location for a switch to cut power to the deck lid switch (unless you have a convertible). I had a few seat heater switches in the bin and they snap in easily into a 3/4" (19mm) hole. The end result:
FYI, the black/white wire is the live feed to the trunk release switch connector, black is ground and yellow is the feed to the trunk module.
Jacob.
A little research on OEM wiring led me to the HUD control panel as a location for a switch to cut power to the deck lid switch (unless you have a convertible). I had a few seat heater switches in the bin and they snap in easily into a 3/4" (19mm) hole. The end result:
FYI, the black/white wire is the live feed to the trunk release switch connector, black is ground and yellow is the feed to the trunk module.
Jacob.
Last edited by Jacob; Jun 5, 2022 at 10:54 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,064
Likes: 1,166
From: N. Alabama
Happened to me at Spring Mountain. Just when you get strapped in the harness, helmet on, HANS attached and BUMP! Hatch goes up. I am sure the instructors at Spring Mountain know to look for it before drivers head out. Really, really bad OEM location. Your idea is a good one. And you don't even get paid to think this thing through. 
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2020
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From: MN
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,348
Likes: 3,319
It may be those with longer inseams, but I suspect it is primarily how one gets out of the car. I bumped the switch a number of times with a leg before learning to avoid it. Others report this as well.
Another factor may be if you use or do not use the easy access feature.
Of course, there are those who have never bumped the switch by accident as well.
Another factor may be if you use or do not use the easy access feature.
Of course, there are those who have never bumped the switch by accident as well.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,517
Likes: 1,304
From: Windermere FL
I always been waiting for some forum member with a 3-D Printer to come up with a cleaver little object that would just glue on that would just surround the button with a raised lip around the whole button, so it could not be so easily pressed with a knee.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,064
Likes: 1,166
From: N. Alabama
That would do it. Maybe just use velcro to stick the piece over it. I would buy it.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
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From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Did you know that the interior trunk release was invented by a Mercedes owner who was annoyed by having to get out of his car when it was raining and use a screwdriver in the trunklid keyhole to activate the latch every time he got to the front of the line where the volunteers were handing out cartons of free groceries? 
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Dr. Dave
Joined: Dec 2015
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 109
Likes: 42
it’s right at the perfect height and angle of the edge the kneecap, it is a very silly switch overall, there’s no need for it to be so big or so sensitive. It really should be more recessed. It makes no sense that it’s easier to unlock the trunk than to open the doors. Designers should know the button size should be directly proportional to frequency of use.
Pro
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 552
Likes: 489
From: Brooklyn NY
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Unmodified
I'm 5'8" and in the year that I've owned my 2019 GS my knee never tripped the trunk release. In fact the only issue I've had sitting in my baby is seeing the red lights when I'm stopped at the corner. When I sit normal the sun visor blocks them forcing me to bend to look under the visor at them. Other wise I guess we're a perfect fit for each other lol.
Last edited by edspec; Jun 1, 2021 at 05:32 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,491
Likes: 1,028
From: MN
Nice solution! I might do something like this. I bump mine more often than I would like. Too bad they did not just put a bit of a time delay on the switch so you would have to push and hold just for a second.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,064
Likes: 1,166
From: N. Alabama
As many know, in the aviation industry designers very carefully think through the layout of instruments and switches. It is a big, big no-no for a pilot to have to lean forward and lower head to an extreme that might induce temporary spatial disorientation while reaching for switch, lever or gauge reading. Anyone remember John Denver's crash? Not equating cockpit hazards to automobile dangers but don't engineers at GM get paid enough to use a little logic in their design layout? The switch has been accidentally bumped at very inopportune times and it should have never been put there to begin with. It was dumb and it has been allowed to exist through several years of models. Those that haven't hit it accidentally then good for you. Some of us have. It is irritating. If you haven't hit it then you don't have a dog in this fight.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 167
Likes: 10
From: Las Vegas Nevada
Time delay sounds like the perfect solution. I know on some remotes you either have to hold the button on the remote a few moments or actually press the button twice.
Would that be a function of the button / switch or would that require additional electronics?
If it's just a different button that would replace what's there now that would be ideal.
I'm 6'3" and I to remember to avoid the button.
Would that be a function of the button / switch or would that require additional electronics?
If it's just a different button that would replace what's there now that would be ideal.
I'm 6'3" and I to remember to avoid the button.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,015
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
As many know, in the aviation industry designers very carefully think through the layout of instruments and switches. It is a big, big no-no for a pilot to have to lean forward and lower head to an extreme that might induce temporary spatial disorientation while reaching for switch, lever or gauge reading. Anyone remember John Denver's crash? Not equating cockpit hazards to automobile dangers but don't engineers at GM get paid enough to use a little logic in their design layout? The switch has been accidentally bumped at very inopportune times and it should have never been put there to begin with. It was dumb and it has been allowed to exist through several years of models. Those that haven't hit it accidentally then good for you. Some of us have. It is irritating. If you haven't hit it then you don't have a dog in this fight.
The C6 cockpit was much more user-friendly than the C7. It's like the C7 designers had never driven a C6 enough to appreciate how well the C6 is laid out. Overall, the C7 is a much nicer car but has way too may "WTF were they thinking?" issues.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,390
Likes: 36
From: INDIANA
I have hit mine a few times when at the drag strip and the seat being closer. There are a couple of online vendors that sell a new recessed bezel for that switch that is super easy to install, cheap, and works perfectly to stop the inadvertent knee trunk open.
Corvette Central for one.
Corvette Central for one.