Hatch problem
12-19-2019, 07:48 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Hatch problem
Hi guys, something happened this week to the hatch and I don't know what. I popped the trunk and was loading stuff in it then when I tried to close it, it closed shut but for some reason the motor keeps running. I tried to check if there's anything obstructing it but it's clear of any blockages. It closed properly again but the motor seems to keep cycling between running and not and I've been lucky it hasn't killed the battery yet even after overnight of doing that. Has anybody here encountered the same thing? any tips/tricks that you can give me would be surely appreciated, thanks in advance guys!
12-25-2019, 03:13 PM
#2
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Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Adrian, Mi, USA
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Car: 1988 Pontiac Firebird Formula
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Hatch problem
Does it actually pull the hatch down? The internal gears may have stripped...... I don't remember how it decides to turn off. Haven't had to deal with it for a while. 
12-26-2019, 06:08 PM
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Re: Hatch problem
Yes it does and it fully closes it but for some reason the hatch mechanism turns on as if it's unlatched. It usually starts even after acting like that overnight but I've been off since friday and and I haven't started it since then and when I started it today the battery was completely DEAD. I tried to boost it but the battery was still not strong enough to start it even after letting it be hooked up to my truck for almost 45 minutes. Might need to get a new battery but I wish there was a way to just turn off that hatch mechanism and just close it manually. Do you guys know a way of turning off the hatch mechanism? I'd really appreciate it! This is the only big problem that has come up so far after daily driving it since I got it last August.
12-27-2019, 02:29 PM
#4
Supreme Member
Re: Hatch problem
There are switches that control the pull down motor relay. The closed position switch is probably not operating properly. Another possible cause is the plastic rack, that attaches to the latch, and the drive gear of the motor runs on to raise and lower the latch. If it breaks, the motor will run on trying to close the hatch fully, but it can't pull the hatch down tight. I bought an upgraded unit from Hawks, IIRC, that has been reinforced to prevent breaking.
Do you have the factory service manual? The electrical diag suppliment has a good diagram of the hatch control circuit. You would need a test light to check the switches and relay.
Do you have the factory service manual? The electrical diag suppliment has a good diagram of the hatch control circuit. You would need a test light to check the switches and relay.
12-28-2019, 03:47 PM
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Re: Hatch problem
There are switches that control the pull down motor relay. The closed position switch is probably not operating properly. Another possible cause is the plastic rack, that attaches to the latch, and the drive gear of the motor runs on to raise and lower the latch. If it breaks, the motor will run on trying to close the hatch fully, but it can't pull the hatch down tight. I bought an upgraded unit from Hawks, IIRC, that has been reinforced to prevent breaking.
Do you have the factory service manual? The electrical diag suppliment has a good diagram of the hatch control circuit. You would need a test light to check the switches and relay.
Do you have the factory service manual? The electrical diag suppliment has a good diagram of the hatch control circuit. You would need a test light to check the switches and relay.
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