Help can't get my rear hatch up

eresener · 09-05-2005, 01:53 PM

Finally got the monster rolling after 6 months...got all operating fine and also got the hatch to go up using the key and the release under the dash...hadn't driven it for a day or so and decided to fix left rear running light...low and behold hatch wouldn't go up...can hear the motor whirrling to release the locks...but have tried to no avail to release...even used the key to unlock...it turns to left but no release...help...
TIA

SoCal Driver · SoCal Driver's Garage

Have to dlimb into the back and pull the carpet down. Have someone run the release motor so you can see what is hung up.

ChrisBennet · ChrisBennet's Garage

I just went through this. The little lever on the end of the hatch motor brock off. I ordered another one, waited a couple of weeks and bolted it on. Tightened it down and *snap* broke the new one.
If you get a replacement, make sure the hole in the new one is big enough. If I get another (instead of making one), I'm goiing to enlarge the hole a some before I bolt it on.
-Chrios

eresener · 09-07-2005, 02:25 PM

Well...I climbed into the back and pulled carpet...daughter pressed the switch and everything moved in correct directions...yet I still can't get the hatch up...should I remove the black covers under the pins to see what is going on? I probably have already answered my own question...any other ideas will greatly be appreciated...
Ed

pokey · 09-07-2005, 09:47 PM

Toss some Viagra or Cialis in the gas tank. Be sure to slip a sock on the exhaust pipe first, though...

pokey · 09-07-2005, 09:48 PM

Try holding on to the spoiler and jiggling side to side while lifting, as someone pushes the button.

Don 944 LA · 09-07-2005, 10:24 PM

crawl in the back and take off the 10mm nuts on the latches. This will let you manually release them.
When reinstalling everything, spray some WD-40 in there and turn the key a couple times ( hatch open ) to make sure the mechanism is working correctly.
Last resort is to also adjust the pins. They are probably stuck at their current adjustment.

Hope that helps
Don
EDIT: also don't tighten down the 10mm nuts as they will cause everything to bind

eresener · 09-08-2005, 03:39 AM

Went back in last night....pulled the cover off the hatch pin holder and then tried unsuccessfully to remove the plastic pin locking mechanisim...won't even drop down after the two 10mm nuts were removed...tried to wiggle the whole unit and it just wouldn't drop down...remember I am in the rear under the hatch glass...but I was able to see a screw head sticking out of the center hole of the latch mechanisim ...I would assume that this is the hatch pin...which direction should I try to turn...I DON'T want to break the glass...BTW the Viagra in the gas tank just made the motor run stronger...at my age (57) I should have known to do this

eresener · 09-08-2005, 03:44 AM

Is there anywhere I can see a diagram of this mechanisim and how it is supposed to operate...there is not much in the way of info on Craigs List.

tgcattle · 09-08-2005, 05:25 AM

I had the same problem. I had to pry it up witha long handle screw driver. I put a rag on the paint to keep from scratching it. From outside I put the screwdriver in close to the latching pins activated the key and pried up. It finaly opened. upon inspecting the latching mechanism it was very dirty. Sprayed it down with wd40 real good as i activated the latches.

NICKG · 09-08-2005, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by pokey
Toss some Viagra or Cialis in the gas tank. Be sure to slip a sock on the exhaust pipe first, though...

once it does go up, remember f it stays up for more than 36 hours, consult a physician

Loquat15 · 09-08-2005, 07:52 AM

My hatch has a similar problem... The automatic release doesnt work... i can hear the motor turn but it doesnt unlock. If I go back and turnn the key, the hatch doesnt come strait up... HOWEVER!!! I am able to push in a little on the rear spoiler towards the car, then lift up and sure enough, the hatch comes up.

I guess i should buy some of them handy dandy shocks for that rear hatch since they've been dead ever since i've had the car.

eresener · 09-08-2005, 11:44 AM

tgcattle...your adivce worked...I used a long handled screwdriver and a rag...gently pried the left hatch pin first...and vola' it popped up with very very little pressure..ditto on the right pin and the same gentle pressure with same results...thanks so much...also found a bunch of caked up grease hiding in there...used some penetrating spray to loosen it all up...cleaned it up and sprayed w/wd 40...all works great TIA....now on to replacing the left side marker light and the rear tail light bulbs...was why I got into this mess in first place...again thanks to all...
Ed

tgcattle · 12:06 PM

Glad you got it opened. I usually find at least one thing other than what I started out to fix when i'm working on mine. Like last weekend I was changing my oil pressure sending unit and found a power steering hose leaking.