hatch problem
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
hatch problem
So i’m trying to bring my grandpas 96 c4 back to life, i’ve noticed when i went to open the hatch the center console button doesn’t work but the drivers door does. after reading around on the forms people are having the opposite problem any ideas?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 396
From: Northwest Ohio
Someone removed the trim and that button is unplugged? You should be able to remove the button to see if the wires are still hooked to it. I believe it twists then comes out. If it is plugged in you can test the button and clean up the connections if corroded.
other option to access is to remove the trim…I don’t have an auto but I believe removing the trim you have to be careful with the shifter/needle…
If it all checks out and still doesn’t work then you may have a broken or damaged wire somewhere and would need to test and trace.
A Factory Service Manual (FSM) is very useful and you should acquire one if you do not have one yet.
other option to access is to remove the trim…I don’t have an auto but I believe removing the trim you have to be careful with the shifter/needle…
If it all checks out and still doesn’t work then you may have a broken or damaged wire somewhere and would need to test and trace.
A Factory Service Manual (FSM) is very useful and you should acquire one if you do not have one yet.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,269
Likes: 142
From: Ottawa Ontario
Pretty sure there are 2 tabs on the backside of the button that need to be squeezed to remove it. The lighter socket is threaded on, but again, needs to be unscrewed from the back.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 396
From: Northwest Ohio
Interesting, my '96 does not require the parking brake to be engaged for either of the hatch release buttons to work. Wonder if a previous owner bypassed that.
Pretty sure there are 2 tabs on the backside of the button that need to be squeezed to remove it. The lighter socket is threaded on, but again, needs to be unscrewed from the back.
Pretty sure there are 2 tabs on the backside of the button that need to be squeezed to remove it. The lighter socket is threaded on, but again, needs to be unscrewed from the back.
On the button, I am going off of memory. I just had the console out due to my stereo work and clutch replacement, and the button literally fell out...I thought I remember it loosely going in then twisting to lock...removing the console would be safest rather than breaking something though
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 396
From: Northwest Ohio
Door release only works with the door open.
If you have a 6-speed 96, have you ever actually tried the console button with the brake off?
Look at the wiring diagram. Please tell me how the console button can operate without the park brake set? (Or an automatic in P or N.)
Engine on, off, has nothing to do with the console button.
If you have a 6-speed,have you actually tried the console button with the brake off?
You look at the wiring diagram too. The console button can not function without the park brake applied, or the automatic in P or N.
This comes up frequently.. The cars are wired as shown in the diagram. But every time it comes up, there are peeps that say that's not how their car works. Go try it. Then please be humble enough to admit that you were mistaken, once you see that the park brake has to be applied for the CONSOLE button to work. (Not the door switch(s)). Or P or N for an automatic.
If you have a 6-speed 96, have you ever actually tried the console button with the brake off?
Look at the wiring diagram. Please tell me how the console button can operate without the park brake set? (Or an automatic in P or N.)
Engine on, off, has nothing to do with the console button.
If you have a 6-speed,have you actually tried the console button with the brake off?
You look at the wiring diagram too. The console button can not function without the park brake applied, or the automatic in P or N.
This comes up frequently.. The cars are wired as shown in the diagram. But every time it comes up, there are peeps that say that's not how their car works. Go try it. Then please be humble enough to admit that you were mistaken, once you see that the park brake has to be applied for the CONSOLE button to work. (Not the door switch(s)). Or P or N for an automatic.
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
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,269
Likes: 142
From: Ottawa Ontario
...
Engine on, off, has nothing to do with the console button.
....
This comes up frequently.. The cars are wired as shown in the diagram. But every time it comes up, there are peeps that say that's not how their car works. Go try it. Then please be humble enough to admit that you were mistaken, once you see that the park brake has to be applied for the CONSOLE button to work. (Not the door switch(s)). Or P or N for an automatic.
Engine on, off, has nothing to do with the console button.
....
This comes up frequently.. The cars are wired as shown in the diagram. But every time it comes up, there are peeps that say that's not how their car works. Go try it. Then please be humble enough to admit that you were mistaken, once you see that the park brake has to be applied for the CONSOLE button to work. (Not the door switch(s)). Or P or N for an automatic.
From the owners manual,
If you have a manual transmission, you must set the parking brake before you can use the switch when the vehicle is running.
