Remote Boot (Trunk) Release VH2 Vantage Convertible

[Manners79]

It mildly annoys me that my 4.7 Vantage convertible boot (trunk for our American friends) can only be opened by either the key fob or by pressing the 'nipple' on the boot lid itself. Unlike the coupe, the convertible doesn't have a release button in the cockpit. As I understand it this is because Aston decided to use the location for the boot release switch for the hood operation button. OK 10/10 for parts commonality but come on, it's not that hard to fit one extra button is it?!?! I mean, the console is pretty much littered with buttons anyway so would one more really matter??

Anyway, as part of the periodic deep cleaning I had the inner lining on the underside of the bootlid off (yes, I am that OCD...!) and noticed it would be really easy to put an extra switch across the connector into the release usually operated by pressing the 'nipple'. Of course, the rather more challenging bit would be routing that to the cockpit without makiing any extra holes in firewalls etc. There is a route taken by an exisitng wire bundle but it is properly wrapped and I'd really rather not break into it.

So, it's a long shot, but does anyone know if any of the wiring is actually in the car anywhere eg under the centre tunnel or behind the dash? After all, if Aston were insistent on using the same interior trim for coupe and convertible it is possible they used the same wiring loom and it could be as simple as finding it and adding a switch which could then be mounted in the ash tray or somewhere suitbaly unobtrusive. Thanks in advance!

[Big Ry]

Boot operation on a roadster isn't quite as simple as the coupe.

The main reason being is that there would need to be additional sensors which detected what stage of operation the hood was in prior to releasing the boot. If not, there's the risk of the boot being released whilst the hood was in mid-operation..........which quite frankly would no doubt result in a invoice that would make even The Donald burst into tears. Obviously the same issues aren't in play in a coupe, so the safety mechanisms to prevent such wouldn't be present in the existing wiring loom.

[Manners79]

OK so I entirely understand the logic of that...but how is that any different to opening it on the fob?

[PatCub]

I fitted a boot release to my 2010 Roadster.
The wires are hidden under the centre console.
I replaced the centre section with a piano black one which had two extra switch positions.
One became the boot release and the other controls the exhaust valves.
The switch will not open the boot over certain speeds.

[PatCub]

This is the wiring loom I made, the green and red wire are the supply for the leds, (green earth, red supply) the yellow wire is the boot release which needs to be earthed to trigger boot opening, this is done through the green wire, the two white wires are for the exhaust valve switch.

[Manners79]

That is really helpful and mine os also a 2010 so should be the same. I already have a 3-way exhaust switch (Bamford Rose) so only need to find a location for one extra which isn't hard. I'll have a good look at your pics and hopefully can work out which wires it is i need to put the switch across. Interesting it has speed protection built in - maybe it shares that logic with the hood operation which also has a speed limit on it - in which case no doubt the coupes also have some redundant wiring!

Any tips on getting the console off?!?!

Edited by Manners79 on Tuesday 6th October 22:08

[PatCub]

To remove the centre section:-
Remove leather cover at back of armrest/cubby box this is quite tight, use plastic tools to prevent damage.
Remove two screws under that cover, remove rubber mat from cup holder and remove two screws,
Lift out cubby box, disconnect any wires.
Remove two screws holding front centre section.
The front centre section will then slide back, disconnect any wires.
You may have to remove gearstick surround if yours is manual.

You should find a plug with three wires Black earth, Red LED feed and Black / Yellow trigger wire to ECU when earthed this opens the boot.

This video should also help
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UNmq4dz_Zs&fe...

[Big Ry]

Manners79 said:

OK so I entirely understand the logic of that...but how is that any different to opening it on the fob?

Fair point, hadn't thought about that.

Not as though this has any bearing on your want to do it, but why do you feel the need to be able to do it ? I must admit I didn't even know the two coupes I've owned even had that switch.

[Manners79]

Big Ry said:

Fair point, hadn't thought about that.

Not as though this has any bearing on your want to do it, but why do you feel the need to be able to do it ? I must admit I didn't even know the two coupes I've owned even had that switch.

It's a fair question! So it started when I found the 'nipple' button didn't work which meant when picking things up I have to stop the engine, take the key out of the dash and relase the boot from the fob whilst sititng in the driver's seat! Eg picking people up from the airport as I do quite regularly. I have subsequently repaired the nipple button but by then it had sort of become a 'project'! Also, I currently only have one key (the 'ECU') so theoretically if I dropped the key in the boot and shut it and the nipple button failed again I'd be in a world of hurt. I do have a manual access key so could at least open the door and release the boot on the button once fitted. Granted that requires a series of events to occur to lock me out but i have that kind of luck! Plus, now I know the wiring is almost certainly there it seems an interesting little thing to do. I also have the Bamford Rose 3 way exhaust switch and I'd like to relocate that to the ash tray so may as well do both projects whilst the centre tunnel is out. In other words...not real logic but man logic!