Stereo & Electronics - HOW TO PROPERLY (temporarily) DISABLE HATCH RELEASE

ok so i just installed my system..and i just want to make it a bit hard for anyone who trys to steal my subs and amp..so i want to (temporarily) disable the remote hatch release button underneath the steering wheel..i want to do it the proper way just incase i ever get rid of the system and want to reverse the procedure to be able to use the remote hatch release button...thanks

you can just unplug it and use the remote to open it.
might be a pain but it will be a sure thing.

what he said.....or you could wire a switch in and have that hidden somewhere else.... but either way -- the hatch release doesn't work after the car sits a little

but either way -- the hatch release doesn't work after the car sits a little


what do you mean...elaborate please

its on a timer. after xxx amount of minutes, it will not work until the car sees ignition again

its on a timer. after xxx amount of minutes, it will not work until the car sees ignition againActually, no...that's only partly true. The hatch release is controlled by the BCM just like the door locks, interior lights, etc. The BCM "goes to sleep" about 10 minutes after the ignition key is removed and the hatch release button won't work while the BCM is asleep. However, there are several inputs besides the ignition switch that will "wake up" the BCM. One of them is the courtesy lights which go on when you open a door - so the sleep mode doesn't make much of a theft deterrent since a thief will probably open the door, reactivating the hatch release button.

ok, that being said..how do i go about doing this whitebird00

Actually, no...that's only partly true. The hatch release is controlled by the BCM just like the door locks, interior lights, etc. The BCM "goes to sleep" about 10 minutes after the ignition key is removed and the hatch release button won't work while the BCM is asleep. However, there are several inputs besides the ignition switch that will "wake up" the BCM. One of them is the courtesy lights which go on when you open a door - so the sleep mode doesn't make much of a theft deterrent since a thief will probably open the door, reactivating the hatch release button.
NOPE..NOT CORRECT. :engarde: Mine stops working 5 minutes after key is removed....I timed it twice...Mine will NOT work again until key is turned at least to the ON position.

Just a thought what if the thief uses a screw driver on the lock?

ok, that being said..how do i go about doing this whitebird00
best way is still to just unplug it...run the wires somewhere else if you think he'll get it power somehow and unscrew it -- otherwise wire a switch in line with the release button.... or just leave it and hope it isn't live by the time someone tries using it

NOPE..NOT CORRECT. :engarde: Mine stops working 5 minutes after key is removed....I timed it twice...Mine will NOT work again until key is turned at least to the ON position.Then your BCM is not working properly. Here is the operational description direct from the factory service manual: (emphasis added)
The BCM controls the following systems:
- Keyless Entry System Circuit
- Content Theft Deterrent (CTD) Circuit
- Vehicle Theft Deterrent (VTD)Circuit
- Audible Warnings Circuit
- Retained Accessory Power (RAP) Circuit
- Power Door Locks Circuit
- Rear Compartment Lid Release Circuit
- Interior Lights Circuit

Wake-up and Sleep Modes
Wake-up signals are signals which turn on the BCM. Once active, the BCM begins monitoring and controlling the system functions listed above. With the ignition switch in the OFF position, the BCM ceases control of the system functions after a 10 minute period. This is the sleep mode. During the sleep mode the BCM monitors several circuits for changes in status. The BCM wakes up when a change is detected in any of the following inputs:
- The courtesy lamps
- The remote keyless entry system
- The ignition switch
- The park lamps
- The headlamps
- The side door locks
- The rear compartment lid ajar indication switch
- The ignition key lock cylinder
- The theft deterrent shock sensor
I have checked this on my own car and although the time varies from about 8 minutes to about 12 minutes, the wake functions work as described. In fact, I regularly come out to the car in the morning, open the door (left unlocked in the garage), and press the hatch release button to stow things in the back.

Also, the courtesy light/door switch circuit is used to wake the BCM when an aftermarket alarm system is installed - have a look at DEI's installation instructions.

ok, that being said..how do i go about doing this whitebird00I agree with fredmr39. If you don't need the inside hatch release then just unplug the switch. If you want to be able to use the switch but disable it for theft protection then add you own hidden switch - either a hidden push button to release the hatch or a hidden toggle switch to disable the factory push button.

Another possibility is to add a relay in the release switch circuit that prevents the button from working unless the ignition is on.

Just consider that a frustrated thief may decide to smash your hatch glass and steal your stuff anyway.