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Turn ignition off, trunk opens ... how to troubleshoot?

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Old 07-14-2013, 07:44 PM
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Turn ignition off, trunk opens ... how to troubleshoot?

Ok. Picked up a used 2004 this past week and for the most part, it seems OK, though I noticed it doing something rather odd today.

When I turn the ignition switch off (engine isn't running, just powering the electrics), the trunk opens.

I'm assuming there a short somewhere, but since I'm a complete novice (especially when it comes to electrics), I'm not sure where to start. Any suggestions?
Old 07-15-2013, 09:02 AM
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does it still have the key separate from the fob or do you have a switchblade type?
Old 07-15-2013, 09:14 AM
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Can't lie this made me laugh

Easiest way to trouble shoot would be to disconnect the trunk button and see if the problem persists. If so then find the trunk wire located in the doorsill and cut it ( You can always re-solder it.

If the trunk still opens up until you cut the wire then its PCM related. In which case I would just enable the valet trunk mode in the glove box and be done with it unfortunately.
Old 07-15-2013, 09:14 AM
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Switchblade.

I'm going to try it again tonight to see if the behavior is consistent at all.
Old 07-15-2013, 09:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Carbon8
Can't lie this made me laugh

Easiest way to trouble shoot would be to disconnect the trunk button and see if the problem persists. If so then find the trunk wire located in the doorsill and cut it ( You can always re-solder it.

If the trunk still opens up until you cut the wire then its PCM related. In which case I would just enable the valet trunk mode in the glove box and be done with it unfortunately.
I'm just worried that this could be a harbinger of other electrical issues. After all, the car *IS* 9 years old!

I'll try disconnecting the trunk release button and see what happens. Thanks!
Old 07-15-2013, 03:28 PM
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so maybe you are hitting the button when you twist the key to off? or does this happen whenever anyone does no mater how they hold it when they turn it?

tl:dr - you're holding it wrong?
Old 07-15-2013, 04:27 PM
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I think it is a special feature installed for the previous "gangsta" owner .

As he shut off the engine he could then race to the trunk and quickly pull out the sawnoff shotgun all in one smooth motion.
Old 07-15-2013, 04:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Brettus
I think it is a special feature installed for the previous "gangsta" owner .

As he shut off the engine he could then race to the trunk and quickly pull out the sawnoff shotgun all in one smooth motion.
Interesting theory! And you know this how??????
Old 07-15-2013, 04:48 PM
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Originally Posted by zoom44
so maybe you are hitting the button when you twist the key to off? or does this happen whenever anyone does no mater how they hold it when they turn it?

tl:dr - you're holding it wrong?
+1

I do it ALL the time, on every switchblade key Mazda I've owned.
Old 07-15-2013, 04:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Stephen T
Interesting theory! And you know this how??????
That's how it goes over there in the US of A . Everyone knows that !
Old 07-15-2013, 05:36 PM
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Bingo.................that's how we rednecks roll.
Old 07-16-2013, 03:07 PM
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Originally Posted by BigMikeATL
I'm just worried that this could be a harbinger of other electrical issues. After all, the car *IS* 9 years old!

I'll try disconnecting the trunk release button and see what happens. Thanks!
while step 1, is to put your shotgun in the trunk, i had a look at the wiring diagram and its actually a really simple circuit.

there is a relay, and the 3 switches, and these are just powered all the time. the switches ground the relay coil, and then it powers the trunk actuator.

since its always powered, but the trunk opens with the ignition, we have to suspect driver error, or aftermarket junk first, next suspect is the relay itself. if this was a German car, this would be the other way around, relay, aftermarket BS and then you...
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