Hatch release mechanism
 

I have to hold the key in the unlock position when opening that hatch, otherwise it springs back to latched.

Should there be some sort of detent to keep the hatch release mechanism unlatched? Or maybe a spring?

Same thing when operating it with the motor, it unlocks it.... but it springs back to locked.

Not a real issue, but it would be nice to have it working properly.

It's possible that it's just too loose so it does not pop up. Pins are easy to adjust, just loosed the lock nut and turn then.

Normal.

There's no detent to hold the lock open. The piston struts are the motive force that pushes the hatch out of the receivers when the lock is turned to "open". Your key lock is operating normally. It the hatch isn't popping up when unlocked, then the pins may need to be adjusted. Also a little lube in the capture claws may be in order.

It's amazing what a good clean and lube will do.
With the new struts on mine, I almost need to stand back or the tail will smack my chin.

Now to install the replacement cable so that I can *safely* release the hatch.

Awesome, thanks guys.
Put a set of those stainless pins in a few years ago. I adjusted and lubed everything at that time.

I guess my only issue is the blown hatch struts. Thing is, I don't want to replace them since I hear they are the cause for hatch delamination. I got a hinged prop-rod installed to keep the hatch open.

The other thing that causes rear hatch not to 'pop open' is the rubber seal. When it is new it has some spring in it which pushes the hatch up ... when it is old it becomes flat and loses its spring ... like all of us :) A new hatch seal sorted it for me.

Where did you get these? One of my pins is broken...

Sounds like it's normal operation. Mine works the same way...

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2JJWPSoBl...501_132650.jpg

Rennbay, has the stainless pins.
Stainless Hatch Pins for the Porsche 944


The shanks of my rusted pins, sheared inside the square nuts. Drilled and tapped them as a temporary fix, but it's been 3 years now, and they are holding up perfectly.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TFtPJO6jsE.../s1600/nut.jpg
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A new hatch seal should be on my to do list.
I've also considered doing a cable hatch release, but that might be too much work, for too little gain.