Rear hatch won't open
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 674
Likes: 0
From: Pleasant Hill,CA,USA
Rear hatch won't open
My friends rear hatch won't open when the switch is hit.You can hear the solenoid working but the hatch won't open.I have also tried opening it with the rip cord under the shade but nothing will work.Could the locking mechanism be screwed up?Any ideas welcomed
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Re: Rear hatch won't open (tsquare)
yucko. don't have any immediate ideas... I would remove the top trim piece... if it can be removed with the hatch closed!!
Try sneaking in there with a screw driver, and see if you can force the issue that way.
something sure is broken!!! that is no doubt.
Try sneaking in there with a screw driver, and see if you can force the issue that way.
something sure is broken!!! that is no doubt.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 325
Likes: 0
Re: Rear hatch won't open (tsquare)
Maybe its stuck to the seal? If it is and the struts are getting a little weak it wont pop when the latch releases and it just locks again. Have you tried to pull up on the glass while someone pushes the button.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
Re: Rear hatch won't open (tsquare)
Tsquare, if you've not had any trouble with it before I'd definitely check to see if the glass is stuck to the seal. Mine does this if I haven't opened the hatch for a few weeks.
:seeya
:seeya
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,316
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Re: Rear hatch won't open (tsquare)
Try disconnecting the lift assist shocks on each side. If it has not been opened for a long time, they can rust up inside and that might be what is keeping the hatch from opening. The release may be operating, but the lift assist shocks are jamed. If you disconnect them where that attach to the inside of the rear area, you should be able to lift the hatch by hand
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,767
Likes: 5
From: Jacksonville Fl
Re: Rear hatch won't open (HWoods)
If it lifts an inch only...does it catch tightly again when you push it closed? If so, iot sounds like the release mechanism is working, but something else is holding it shut...like the cylinders being bad as mentioned above.
It could be something jammed into the latch area also. I think you might be able to un-bolt the latch plate from the window if you can get to it from the inside...then at least you can work on it.
It could be something jammed into the latch area also. I think you might be able to un-bolt the latch plate from the window if you can get to it from the inside...then at least you can work on it.
