1990 rear window hatch does not open !
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 92
Likes: 3
1990 rear window hatch does not open !
I have a friend with a 1990 Corvette Coupe and the rear window hatch does not open when the button is pushed. Is there a fuse or relay for this or possibly the switch has gone bad ?
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 550
From: Mission Viejo CA
Since you're asking an electrical question, I'm assuming you don't hear the release solenoid actuate when you press a release button. If you do hear the solenoid, it's not an electrical problem. The window may be stuck against the weatherstrip. Open the fuel door so you can get your fingertips under the edge of the glass.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
When you push the hatch release buttons you should hear the hatch relay clicking. If that isn't happening then the problem is in the switch circuits.
Note that the hatch release switches in the doors are grounded through the interior light delay timer. The hatch won't release unless the interior lights are on (door open).
The hatch release button in the console is grounded in two ways, depending on whether you have a manual trans or an auto trans. If you have an auto trans the switch is grounded through the starter solenoid (the hatch won't open if the starter is cranking). If you have a manual trans you have to have the emergency brake on to open the hatch.
Note that the hatch release switches in the doors are grounded through the interior light delay timer. The hatch won't release unless the interior lights are on (door open).
The hatch release button in the console is grounded in two ways, depending on whether you have a manual trans or an auto trans. If you have an auto trans the switch is grounded through the starter solenoid (the hatch won't open if the starter is cranking). If you have a manual trans you have to have the emergency brake on to open the hatch.
Last edited by Cliff Harris; Dec 27, 2016 at 12:59 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Use manual release to open
Find the connector for the hatch solenoid. (remove trim shelf)
Using a volt meter, check for voltage when activating the switch/s.
If voltage is present, replace latch solenoid.
No voltage will require more troubleshooting the wiring.
Good luck
Find the connector for the hatch solenoid. (remove trim shelf)
Using a volt meter, check for voltage when activating the switch/s.
If voltage is present, replace latch solenoid.
No voltage will require more troubleshooting the wiring.
Good luck
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski