Tonneau hatch release problem
#1
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Tonneau hatch release problem
The tonneau release on my 1989 convertible doesn't release properly. One side will pop and the other side won't. Then I've got to go to that side and press down on the hatch as I press the hatch release button on the console.
I've lubed the latches but it still does it. What's my next move?
I've lubed the latches but it still does it. What's my next move?
#2
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Re: Tonneau hatch release problem
you can try adjusting the side that doesn't pop, but it may need a new actuator for that side.
I thought my latch was bad, but it was just out of adjustment.
I thought my latch was bad, but it was just out of adjustment.
#4
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Re: Tonneau hatch release problem
My RS has always been like that. One hand on the tonneau pushing down lightly on one side, reach in and hit the button, and it opens right up. Don't press down while pressing the button and it'll never release. That work around beats pulling the manual release cables every time. An adjustment might fix it, but it's so easy to push down and relieve the pressure on the latch, that it's not worth disassembling.
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: Tonneau hatch release problem
My RS has always been like that. One hand on the tonneau pushing down lightly on one side, reach in and hit the button, and it opens right up. Don't press down while pressing the button and it'll never release. That work around beats pulling the manual release cables every time. An adjustment might fix it, but it's so easy to push down and relieve the pressure on the latch, that it's not worth disassembling.
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#8
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z 305 LB9 AT Convertible
Engine: LB9 305
Transmission: AT
Re: Tonneau hatch release problem
My '89 IROC X Vert had the same problem. I removed the solenoids and cleaned the shafts, lubed them w/ WD40. I replaced the mounting screws with plated screws and sanded the body solenoid mounting area, to bare metal. I coated the mounting area w/ silicone grease, before re-installation. I cleaned and lubed everything that moved , blowing out the debris, then re-lubing.
I think (it's been a while) I adjusted per factory procedure. Work great now. IIRC I operate the release, w/ the engine running, to get the alternators 13.5 - 13.8 volts, not the battery 12 volts.
IIRC, I sprayed "Cable Lube" (motorcycle stuff) into the cables, and blew it in.
I think (it's been a while) I adjusted per factory procedure. Work great now. IIRC I operate the release, w/ the engine running, to get the alternators 13.5 - 13.8 volts, not the battery 12 volts.
IIRC, I sprayed "Cable Lube" (motorcycle stuff) into the cables, and blew it in.
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chazman (05-15-2022)
#9
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: Tonneau hatch release problem
Thanks guys. I just lubed the actuator cables and all seems to be operating normally for now. Whenever I disassemble one of these, I am struck by how the ASC guys were a bit short of the craftsmen from Maranello. Lol.
Am I the only weirdo who touches up the screws with a flat black paint pen afterwards?
Am I the only weirdo who touches up the screws with a flat black paint pen afterwards?
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88IROCvertZ (05-26-2022)
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chazman (05-15-2022)
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: Tonneau hatch release problem
My '89 IROC X Vert had the same problem. I removed the solenoids and cleaned the shafts, lubed them w/ WD40. I replaced the mounting screws with plated screws and sanded the body solenoid mounting area, to bare metal. I coated the mounting area w/ silicone grease, before re-installation. I cleaned and lubed everything that moved , blowing out the debris, then re-lubing.
I think (it's been a while) I adjusted per factory procedure. Work great now. IIRC I operate the release, w/ the engine running, to get the alternators 13.5 - 13.8 volts, not the battery 12 volts.
IIRC, I sprayed "Cable Lube" (motorcycle stuff) into the cables, and blew it in.
I think (it's been a while) I adjusted per factory procedure. Work great now. IIRC I operate the release, w/ the engine running, to get the alternators 13.5 - 13.8 volts, not the battery 12 volts.
IIRC, I sprayed "Cable Lube" (motorcycle stuff) into the cables, and blew it in.
#12
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Re: Tonneau hatch release problem
I did the same thing mikeceli did and also played with the adjustment on the two tonneau strikers. Positioned them so they don't rub against the latch and only touch the catch hook thing in the latch. That appeared to help as much as all the other stuff i did. I've been thinking of messing with the tension bars, as my tonneau seems to barely pop open when released by the switch. Which sometimes works on the first (flick of the switch), sometimes not. Something that seems to work when it wont open on the first try. Is flicking the switch in rapid succession 3-5 times. That works more often than one single flick, but i don't really like doing that. I have'nt tried it with the eng running though.
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Car: 1988 IROC Z Convertible
Engine: 305 TPI (LB9)
Transmission: 700 R4
Axle/Gears: G80 GU2
Re: Tonneau hatch release problem
Thanks guys. I just lubed the actuator cables and all seems to be operating normally for now. Whenever I disassemble one of these, I am struck by how the ASC guys were a bit short of the craftsmen from Maranello. Lol.
Am I the only weirdo who touches up the screws with a flat black paint pen afterwards?
Am I the only weirdo who touches up the screws with a flat black paint pen afterwards?
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chazman (05-26-2022)
#14
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Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: Tonneau hatch release problem
Charlie,
My 89 had this issue, I was able to get it to work better by adjusting the cables from the solenoids. I honestly do not remember exactly how I did it, but I did. I also adjusted the strikers so they lined up better..
My 89 had this issue, I was able to get it to work better by adjusting the cables from the solenoids. I honestly do not remember exactly how I did it, but I did. I also adjusted the strikers so they lined up better..
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Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:42 Auburn
Re: Tonneau hatch release problem
This happens to me occasionally also. What I have noticed is just like others it can be either side. I noticed that it seems to hang up on the opposite side from which I slam the cover. I figured since you can push down on the side that is hung up and it releases than it must not have seated all the way in the latch. I just lubed the latch mechanism and I now slam the cover from as close to center to get equal pressure on both sides.
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