My hatch won't open. Help!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 935
Likes: 2
From: Beverly, NJ
My hatch won't open. Help!
Just got back from middle east last week. I tried to open hatch using the button in the console and using both the release switches on each door. It will not open door. I can hear a very slight clicking sound while I press the botton, or use the switches on the doors to open hatch. I know how to open it manually, but I want to fix the electric release as doing it manually all the time is a pita. What do I need, and how much will the part cost me used? Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,032
Likes: 4
So if you use that manual release, does the hatch pop open?
if it doesn't - your hatch struts may have died. If you hear that 'click' when you push the button, but nothing happens, that may be the case. Try and have someone pull up on the hatch glass slightly to see if its the struts causing the problem.
if it doesn't - your hatch struts may have died. If you hear that 'click' when you push the button, but nothing happens, that may be the case. Try and have someone pull up on the hatch glass slightly to see if its the struts causing the problem.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 935
Likes: 2
From: Beverly, NJ
Originally Posted by mikey whipreck
So if you use that manual release, does the hatch pop open?
if it doesn't - your hatch struts may have died. If you hear that 'click' when you push the button, but nothing happens, that may be the case. Try and have someone pull up on the hatch glass slightly to see if its the struts causing the problem.
if it doesn't - your hatch struts may have died. If you hear that 'click' when you push the button, but nothing happens, that may be the case. Try and have someone pull up on the hatch glass slightly to see if its the struts causing the problem.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 935
Likes: 2
From: Beverly, NJ
Originally Posted by peggysspace@yahoo.co
I have an extra console button, the plug on it is white if you need one
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Sounds like the electric hatch release solenoid is bad. Because pulling on the wire opens the hatch, the mechanical part of the latch is OK. Hearing a faint click means that the solenoid is not pushing hard enough against the lock assembly.
Not sure if you can change out just the solenoid or if you have to replace the entire unit. Check with Chris May at Superior Chevrolet in Merriam KS for info and great prices for Forum members 1-800-728-8267
Not sure if you can change out just the solenoid or if you have to replace the entire unit. Check with Chris May at Superior Chevrolet in Merriam KS for info and great prices for Forum members 1-800-728-8267
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 935
Likes: 2
From: Beverly, NJ
Originally Posted by c4cruiser
Sounds like the electric hatch release solenoid is bad. Because pulling on the wire opens the hatch, the mechanical part of the latch is OK. Hearing a faint click means that the solenoid is not pushing hard enough against the lock assembly.
Not sure if you can change out just the solenoid or if you have to replace the entire unit. Check with Chris May at Superior Chevrolet in Merriam KS for info and great prices for Forum members 1-800-728-8267
Not sure if you can change out just the solenoid or if you have to replace the entire unit. Check with Chris May at Superior Chevrolet in Merriam KS for info and great prices for Forum members 1-800-728-8267
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
I have the same problem on my '89. Been that way aboout 1 year. One time it opened about 2 months ago. I know I have an alignement problem, glass needs to be adjusted so it does not contact bottom edge of opening, this may be putting pressure on the opener and not letting it loose?
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
have an 88---------had the same problem----it's pretty easy to work on-----------removed the latch assy --------only one bolt holding the cover on--------inspect it ----------any abnormalities will be easy to see-------------my problem was with a bad ground-------actually had to use a jumper wire to another ground------think you will find the solenoid to be good----------good luck
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
OMG!!!
Didn't anyone read the friggin owners manual????
There is a cable hanging back there up underneath the cover that you pull to manually release the hatch!
Didn't anyone read the friggin owners manual????
There is a cable hanging back there up underneath the cover that you pull to manually release the hatch!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 935
Likes: 2
From: Beverly, NJ
Originally Posted by JrRifleCoach
OMG!!!
Didn't anyone read the friggin owners manual????
There is a cable hanging back there up underneath the cover that you pull to manually release the hatch!
Didn't anyone read the friggin owners manual????
There is a cable hanging back there up underneath the cover that you pull to manually release the hatch!
Duh! Read my first post. I know how to do that. But who wants to crawl into the back and do that all the time? I put things back there, and am a little big to be crawling back there, or even turning around while in the seat. I am looking for a solution to fixing the electronic lock. Thanks for your input.
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
Originally Posted by darkman5001
Duh! Read my first post. I know how to do that. But who wants to crawl into the back and do that all the time? I put things back there, and am a little big to be crawling back there, or even turning around while in the seat. I am looking for a solution to fixing the electronic lock. Thanks for your input.
Underneath the center hatch trim is the hatch release solenoid. Two nuts and a connector plug. Mark the original and replace with new part. Lots of these are found on ebay and the catalogs (MAD, Corvette Central etc.)
Total time to replace; 15 minutes if you have to be reminded, "righty tighty, lefty loosey"