silverado638

Hey guys i looked around and couldn't really find any help with the problem. I hit the switch for the hatch release and i can hear it clicking like it released but when i go back to open it it never released. The only way it will open is if i open it with the key. Is it just the latch getting hung up or is it a bigger evil. I bought the car about 6 months ago and it hasn't worked since i bought. Any feedback is greatly appreciated

lonsal

iTrader: (2)

Have a friend test if the latch is actually not releasing or if it is releasing the hatch hook and the latch is re-latching onto the hatch hook on the way up. To test it press the hatch release switch and have the friend try to lift up the latch. If it did open, then the problem isn't that the latch isn't releasing but is the common problem that the hatch hook is not lifting clear of the path of the latch. As the motor travels up it re-latches onto the hatch hook before you can get around to lift up the hatch. This is especially a problem on the Firebirds with the HEAVY solid urethane aero hatch spoiler. You didn't list your car model and year, so I can't guess if that is your case.

Please do the test and report back. If it indeed is not releasing at all. the solution is different than if it is releasing and reacquiring the hatch hook.

Lon

silverado638

yeah sorry about that its an 85 iroc and i have tried holding the switch open while somebody else tried lifting it up to no avail. I got so frustrated with it that i even just repeatedly hit the switch while someone lifted up on it and it still didn't open.

1992PonFirebird

I am having a problem almost the exact same. I can have someone hit the switch and I can see it lifting up but it will just go right back down and I can have someone pull up and it won't come up. I have a 1992 Pontiac Firebird. Even if I use the key it won't open (But the key has never worked since I bought the car) if you have any ideas on how to fix it or if anyone else has ideas for the both of us please let us know.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Yes, bad hatch struts are a big problem with the hatch release on these cars.
Don't buy OEM struts.
go to Oriellys or where ever you go and grab a set with a warranty.

silverado638

mine opens with the key and as soon as i turn the key it pops right open just gotta lift it up a few inches and it'll rise up the rest of the way by itself so i'm thinking i might have to replace the latch

Dustytrix

iTrader: (3)

I have had problems with mine before. There is a limit switch that is inside the latch best way to find it is just start pressing down in the center of latch parts, with the hatch open and the latch will automatically go down and come back up resetting itself. If that works then you might have to loosen up the latch bolts and raise the whole latch mechanism.