Interior Hatch Opener

[Powerstiva]

Has anyone ever actually modified a trunk/hatch opener (I dont know a technical name for it) to use from the drivers seat? I remember it being talked about awhile ago but dont know if it was actually done or not.

[BigElCat]

I repaired my latch release rod after the plastic thing broke. Made a metal piece to replace the plastic. An interior handle wouldn't be much of a challenge, just some work. You'd have a slot in the cover panel, with a rod or ring that you would have to pull straight up about an inch. You could reach it from the back seat.

From the driver's seat you'd need to go electric. Why open the latch, if you aren't at the hatch?

I've got no excuse, I read Suess... :nightmare:

[Powerstiva]

From the driver's seat you'd need to go electric. Why open the latch, if you aren't at the hatch?

Just to say that i can =P

[bravekozak]

There is a thread that I followed to put a rear hatch popper on. Just do a search.
In my case, I used the same MPV actuator and welded couple of washers to the lip of the hatch access chamber. I wired it to the same relay for my power door locks. The Pride door switch is from Germany.

[F3BZ]

actually, i always thought it was a cheap move not to include or offer at least a cable actuated hatch opener that was standard on almost all but the base 1.1L Prides/121's overseas. you have to turn off the car, get out, unlock, and squeeze the handle to open the hatch. (man i am tired just thinking about it). those cars had a slightly different hatch sill striker plate that had prongs to hold the cable. you might be able to make one out of your festiva striker. then just grab a trunk/fuel opener lever assembly out of an escort or tracer. the cable might be a little long but you can snake it around to take uo the excess. it wouldn't surprise me if there is even a bolt hole already under the carpet in the footwell to secure the lever assy.

[bravekozak]

Here is the Mazda 121 part number (DA68 56 850).
See if you can get it and find out what price they want at the Mazda parts department. Good luck.

[MikeKia]

I am using an actuator installed at my trunk door , this is the same as the power lock actuator, just push the button installed at my dash and the hatch door pops! I would love to share it if somebody wants to do the same. or may be the DIY procedures was already posted here?

[Powerstiva]

That would be great if you posted a DIY writeup!!

[bravekozak]

power, I have a couple of extra MPV rear hatch actuators. I can sell you one. What do you know! I even have two Mazda power lock relays. I can sell you one. You will need a red and a green 14 GA wire to go from the relay in your relay tree (there are two three branch relay trees under the left side of the dash behind the ECA) all the way back inside your hatch. I even have the 14 GA. red and green wire I can sell you.
Power to the relay has to come from a fused source. I spliced in to the main white wire coming from the center fusible link (because it is always hot). That is a lot of bother if you don't have power door locks too. You would probably just tap into any white wire that is fused 14 GA.You will need a popper switch. What do you know! I just happen to have an extra popper switch I can sell you. I can even terminate the actuator ends for you + sell you the terminals for the relay connector.

You will have to install the actuator like in post #4, feed the wires, cut the wires to length, crimp the terminals on. You will need a couple of 20 GA. wires to run from the switch to the relay + a relay ground.