Hatch won't latch
 

When closing the hatch in my 1988 928 S4, I am having a difficult time getting it to latch shut. I find that I have to slam it very hard to get it to latch and even when I get it to stick, the connection will break loose when I drive down a bumpy road. Do you think a simple adjustment needs to be made or that a part is worn out? Any suggestions as to how to go about troubleshooting this?

You need a new latch receiver or maybe shim the old one, its pretty common. Too bad nobody sells the rubber sleeve that wears out.

How is the adjustment of the rubber stops at the edges of the hatch? Are they putting a lot of pressure between hatch and body? That might be a reason why your lock doesn't latch properly.

Another would be that the white hatch latch piece is worn. Very often, these wear at a place you can't see from the outside: at the hole for the pin that holds it in place. You can order a repair kit from www.************, or get the parts from your favorite parts supplier.

Another thing that happens frequently is that the cast metal housing of the hatch latch, whcih is mounted to the hatch, cracks on the passenger side. Then the whole thing can get out of alighment, or allow for unwanted play. Similarly, if the plastic piece in the receiver is broken or missing, things might not latch properly.

Lastly, make sure you have the Teflon stickersk on your hatch, were the rubber guides touch it on the sides. These help keep the hatch rattles down.

Best of luck!

Nicole
www.hookedoncars.com

Sometimes the electric opening device does not stop in the right position...this is the case on my car. I would check that and then chack the adjustment. The latch is not of the best design.

Thanks for all the help! I think I now know what parts I need.

Cheers,
Brandon