85.5 rear hatch release switch...where?

[OK-944]

OK- so my 85.5 has a rear hatch release motor...but for the life of me I cannot find the switch to operate this! I've looked all over the dash, console, steering column, and drivers side door panels - but nothing!

Have I missed something?

[alfadoc]

Driver's side kick panel, near your left foot.

[OK-944]

Got it...thanks!

Cannot get it to work....now the fun begins!

[alfadoc]

My advice? Use the key. Once you get the motor to respond to the switch, it still won't unlatch the hatch unless you have super strong hatch struts. Most folks feel that the stronger the hatch struts, the sooner the hatch glass delamination. Honestly, skip it. Between the sunroof and the cruise control, there are plenty of electrical jollies to be had!

[Wassabi]

Speaking of the release switch, I use my key to open the hatch because as you said it needs a little help to pop open. However I used the switch by the hood release a few times and now my key won't work to release the hatch. Any ideas why it would stop working like that? The motors still work to release it via the inside switch. I haven't started chasing any wires just yet and was kind of hoping it was one of those 'if your dome light is on while the parking brake is applied right after you shut off your car but leave the drivers door open' kind of things it won't work.

[alfadoc]

All I know is that on my '86 it felt like the key had a mechanical connection to the lock, whereas the key on my '89 is basically a keyed switch that operates the motor. Same as every other electrical problem on old cars; look for bad grounds and dirty switch contacts first.

[OK-944]

Great advice alfadoc! Got enough other electrical gremlins to chase as it is!

Just cleaned and re-lubed the keyway, cables, and latch mechanisms, and now the hatch opens real smooth with just the key. (switch...what switch?)

[968 GUY]

Using the key to open hatch on a 944 is a mechanical release. 968's have a microswitch to operate the motor when using the key.

[Wassabi]

968 Guy, that is to say that all 944's pre- & post-1985 use a mechanical release mechanism with the key? I only ask this because when I turn my key to open my hatch, the action is smooth with little resistance (other than the spring), but nothing happens (the hatch does not open). That would lead me to think that I've broken something mechanically. I can say that I've never forced the key to turn and it has always been smooth, but used to open the hatch. I've got to take a closer look after work as I'm sure everything could use a good cleaning or lubing. I'm hoping alphadoc is correct and that it just needs a little TLC.

[MrTibbs]

There's a couple of rods that go from the lock (as in where the key goes in) to the latches that hold the hatch pins.

The electric motor is basically connected to this mechanism so does the same thing as turning the key, but from the inside.

When I got my car the hatch didn't open on the interior switch - I adjusted the connection from motor to lock mechanism (it's a cable, like a pushbike brake, or an accelerator cable) and it worked fine.

My motor did make a very loud grinding noise, so I've since replaced it with a quieter one from my parts car.

Hope that helps - if you pull back the carpet in the boot/trunk and take out the spare wheel (for better access) you should be able to work it all out.

Oh, and it should unlock even if your struts are weak - strong struts will mean it opens fully, but with weaker struts is should unlock so you can lift it up without having to use the key in the lock.

Good luck

Mike

[alfadoc]

968 GUY, my 89 944S2 has the microswitch, and from what Wassabi is describing, it appears his does too. That change may have come earlier than you suspect.

[968 GUY]

I stand corrected.
I have had to adjust the microswitch on my Tip a couple of times when it would not work. Seemed like every time my Dad touched the car something would quit working.
I have just let the key snap back after turning and retrying, that works on my car.