I have a 2005 Coupe, and have had this issue for years. When I don't use my car for a few days, and approach my car and try to open my rear hatch, with the key in my pocket and or use the remote or try open it with the black button near the rear plate the rear hatch will not pop open. After I open the driver's door, then the remote opens the rear hatch, and the black button works, like normal; both of my remotes and the batteries in the remotes aren't the issue. Everything returns to normal after I open the driver door. Am I the only one with this weird issue??

 

Mine's done that occasionally. I can hear the latch releasing, the hatch just doesn't pop up. As weatherproof ages and provides less springyness, there's less upward pressure to pop the hatch up. With the doors closed it can't overcome the suction inside the car. When you open the door, there's no more suction. My theory anyway.

A few of the vendors sell helper springs to give the hatch a boost when you pop the latch.

 

I've never had that happen. I can always pop open the hatch with the FOB or with the manual button even without opening the driver door.
The Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR) is found behind the dash atop the center air ducts. The back up keyless entry back up antenna is found in the glove compartment, behind the dead FOB Slot.
There is a keyless entry antenna found on the right B pillar, one found on the left B pillar, and one in the rear hatch compartment near the latch assembly.

It is quite possible that the antenna for the rear compartment is not getting the voltage signal to tell the receiver to open the hatch. That can be checked at the 2 wire connector of the antenna. All 4 antenna connctors are the same (12162017) but each antenna connector has different wire colors. The rear one is PK and PK/BK
The closest antenna should pick up the FOB signal within an approximate 1 meter range.
By opening the door, that puts you in close proximity of the left B pillar antenna, and also the back up antenna behind the glove box, thus why the hatch will open in that area.

This is my theory, and it could be completely wrong. Next time, try opening the hatch when you get close to the left B pillar, prior to opening the door.

Here is the diagrams of the 4 antennas in question and locations. All antennas are the same part - Antenna - GM part # (25888495)

Hopefully this will allow you to troubleshoot and fix the issue. Good Luck

 

It could be the case. I'm now wondering if he can hear the latch. Good post.

 

Thanks, I'll try that and let you know!! The strange thing is---once I open the driver's door, everything works fine. PS---There in NO latch sound, only after I open the driver's door.

 

It could well be the rear antenna is not getting the voltage signal. You may have to replace that one, or at least check the connector and wires on that one.
Are you the original owner of the car?

 

I've had kind of the opposite issue. occasionally ( 5 - 6 times over a few years ), I've come up to car to find the rear hatch open.
maybe the hatch release was triggered while in my pocket ( getting out of the car ). but I doubt it.
I can hear it when it releases ( at least when I'm nearby ).

 

AZ's very dusty, not surprising this happened since it's a MY '05.
What's surprising is it hadn't happened sooner.

Quite common rear hatch button accumulates dirt/grime over the years.
Dirty switch fails to make contact failing to trigger hatch mechanism.
If interior switch releases hatch, it's rear button/switch close above lic plate.
Mine got so bad neither fob or interior switch would open it.

DIY remove switch, disassemble/clean & replace & that'll fix it; or, buy a new switch (what I did).
Choose your poison.

 

that it is possible that the switch for the hatch is dirty. I've attached a DIY to clean it if you want to take it on.

 

My 05 vert will do this occasionally, rarely. 1 out of 100 perhaps.
Weather does not make a difference, time away does not make a difference.
Deck lid will not pop using the release button on the car, until I open a door and the door always releases with FOB in pocket.
Cleaning the switch is good advice, new FOB batteries are also a good idea.
Good luck.

 

I had problems sort of like the op has. One of the gas struts failed totally no internal pressure whatever. The other was fine. But when I replaced both the operation of the hatch in all cases was markedly improved. (2005 c6)

 

Yes I am the original owner, the weird thing is once I open the doors, everything works fine, so if its not getting voltage, why would it work after I open the door? All those receiver can't be bad at one time, then all work like if nothing happened?

 

Don’t know the answer, but it’s better than always walking up to car to find the hatch open like I do. Hate the fob with a passion

 

I agree, having that hatch opened on it own would be a major nightmare!!!

 

My 05 does the same thing after a day or 2 it doesn't bother me. Once i open the door its back to normal.

 

See----I knew I wasn't the only one!!! Weird issue.......

 

my switch just fell apart. Went to open it one day and the rubber cover and plunger was gone. Used the instructions provided to remove the switch, but now need a new one. Looked at Trunk Monkey and GM Parts Direct and no switch could be found. Do you have the part number? Thanks

 

PN 25853500. Amazon has it for 15 bucks.

 

roger that, thanks

 

I also saw a noticeable improvement in the hatch popping open on my 2005 when i installed new struts, if i had to venture a guess im thinking maybe there 's a small vacuum in the car with the doors closed, and when the driver's side door is opened the vacuum is removed and with weakened struts it's enough to create a problem, only guessing though.