Hi guys, the solenoid on my hatch must be bad. When you press one of the three electronic switches you can hear the it clicking if you stick your head back there, but it wont open the glass. I've had about 10 differnet people try to pop, pry, nudge, etc. and it wont budge. Someone had said that there is an emergency relase cable underneath the carpet? I looked, and cant seem to find it, but then again I didnt look that hard. Anyone have any ideas?

 

Did you try the one in the glove box, you know the yellow one?

 

The cable is back there,right by the latch.The cable is only about 6 inches long so you will have to fish around for it.If the hatch hasnt been opened in awhile it will stick to the weather stripping.

 

I just replaced the solenoid on my 88 because I was tired of pulling that damn 6 inch or so cable with pliers. If you slide your fingers up under the privacy shade and above the carpet just to the left of the grab handle, you'll feel the tiny wire cable. Fish it out with one hand and grab it with pliers in the other.

 

I didn't find mine until I ripped everything out of the back when I replaced the carpet.
I'm glad mine never failed.

 

Thanks. Yeah I tried the yellow one...once i get the hatch open I will have to replace the solenoid im sure. Where should I look?

 

See my post above to pop the hatch with the wire. If you hear a clicking sound coming from under the trim in the back, the relay should be fine.

This is all done while standing behind the car like you're putting gas in it. After you get the solenoid, you'll have to remove the handle on the targa holddown lever by pulling straight up on it until it pops off. Then remove the 3 pieces of trim around the back. You'll see the relay taped to the wiring harness to the right of the latch. Then remove the big U bracket that the striker passes through. Mark the edges with a pencil so you know where it goes for reassembly. Remove the 4 nuts and then the round clips that hold the carpet down. Pull the carpet out of the way, and unclip the plug from the solenoid and then remove the 1 bolt that holds it to the latch mechanism. Installation is the reverse. I have a friend of 25 years that's the parts manager at the local Chevy dealer and it cost me $65 genuine GM. Boy, does he ever come in handy! You should be able to get one for $90 or so, or whatever they're going for @ Eckler's or Mid America.

 

Had the same exact symtoms the other day, traced to solenoid, bought a used one from Taber Corvette for $38.00. Works great.