Info - Trap Resistant Rear Compartment (Trunk) Kit

This bulletin is being revised to add additional models and new part numbers. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 99-08-66-002 (Section 08 -- Body and Accessories).

The purpose of this bulletin is to inform dealership personnel about the Trap Resistant Rear Compartment (Trunk) Kit, including the system function, necessary vehicle modifications and part numbers required to install the kit.

The Trap Resistant Rear Compartment Kit is composed of three main system components; one of which (the Rear Seat Tether), may or may not be needed, depending on the vehicle being retrofit.

The first component of the kit is the illuminated Interior Release Handle (1). The Release Handle is mounted inside the rear compartment to the deck lid. This handle was designed so that a small child trapped in the rear compartment could use it to open the deck lid. The handle operates the deck lid latch mechanically, but is illuminated with two LED's when the deck lid is closed. The handle remains illuminated for a period of about one hour after the deck lid is closed. The LED's create a small parasitic load that will not drain the vehicle battery with normal usage.

The second component of the kit is the Trap Resistant Latch (2). the Trap Resistant Latch is a modified deck lid latch designed to help prevent a child from unintentionally closing and latching the deck lid. The Trap Resistant Latch opens the rear compartment normally through all current means (key, RKE or passenger compartment release), but cannot be re-latched without the user performing a reset function. This reset function consists of pushing up on a small knob (3), while simultaneously pushing a slide mechanism to the right (4). Once the slide mechanism is fully pushed over, the small knob can be released. This function is a simple on-hand operation for an adult, but is difficult for a young child to perform. If the latch is not enabled, the deck lid will not latch and the rear compartment will not close.

The third component is the Rear Seat Tether Kit. If the vehicle is equipped with a pass-through to the rear compartment and the folding rear seat can be unlatched from within the passenger compartment without the use of a key or other unlocking feature, then a Rear Seat Tether must be installed. This tether helps prevent a child from gaining access to the rear compartment of a vehicle from the passenger compartment by allowing a secondary lock of the seatback. The Rear Seat Tether employs one or two tethers (one per folding seatback), each permanently connected to a T-handle anchor mounted in the rear compartment. To lock the folding seatback, the user can partially fold the seatback and attach the tether to another T-handle anchor mounted to the seatback. When the tether is affixed to both T-handle anchors, the seat cannot be folded down. To fold down the seatback, the tether must be removed from the anchor attached to the seatback.

Important: Installation of the Trap Resistant Latch on some vehicles may require sheet metal and/or trim modifications to the rear compartment striker area. These modifications should be communicated with the customer prior to installations. Also, installation of the Trap Resistant Latch requires a rear compartment lid "ajar" switch. Prior to ordering the Trap Resistant Rear Compartment Kit, inspect the old deck lid latch to see if it is equipped with an "ajar" switch. If the vehicles is not equipped with this switch, P/N 12506174 must be ordered.

After completing the Trap Resistant Rear Compartment Kit installation, provide the customer with the supplemental Owner's Manual insert included in the kit an demonstrate the system function.

This program is specially structured for a single purchase price to the owner. The owner is responsible to pay a maximum of $50.00 U.S.; $80.00 Canadian for parts and labor to install the complete Trap Resistant Rear Compartment Kit and Rear Seat Tether(s), if required.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.