Hatch Release Problems

[BobC]

I'm having a problem with my hatch release. It only seems to work once a day, or at the very best a couple of times. I have a brand new battery so it should be getting plenty of juice. When it works it works with both buttons and the key fob. When it doesn't work it doesn't work with any of them. Any ideas to help me look for the problem?

 

[ThunderVette]

Check Hatch release solenoid and/or latch assy

Remove the central plastic trim of trunk area to get access to trunk latch. On latch assy unplug solenoid connector - check connector for voltage to ground with test light while pressing each release buttons, if voltage ok - then solenoid is gone/stuck. Or can be that latch assy itself is stuck - needs cleaning off dirt.

 

[BobC]

The latch assembly is clean, I've already checked that. I'll do the ground test later today as you suggest. The wierd thing is that it works about once every day, usually after it has been sitting for several hours. Sometimes it will work twice and then nothing until the next day. Do solenoids go slowly like this. I've been told that if it was the relay it would either work all the time or never but I'm not sure about the solenoid.

 

[Rabbit]

After you get the trim piece off I would start wiggling wires while trying to use the fob to open the hatch, or a friend with door & console buttons.

 

[BobC]

Good idea, thanks

 

[Paul Higg]

You are right about the relay. It is either working all the time or dead as a doornail. A solenoid can be slow as you suggested but that just controls the hook mechanism. When it doesn't work do you hear any clicks at the solenoid/hook area? If so then the system is working and you may have what I had. The solenoid would work but the hatch would hang. It turns out that the plastic that was on the "U" that goes into the hook was all messed up o I cut it off and now it works like a champ.

The key is to listen for any solenoid clicking when it "doesn't work." That is a big clue.

 

[BobC]

I replaced the solenoid this weekend and it seems to work now. Before I replaced it I could hear a faint click and it sounded like it was coming from the relay. I took the solenoid out and "monkeyed" with it and it worked for a while then nothing. I think the magnets inside might have gotten weak and it would release but not reset. If I have more problems I'll check the plastic piece that you mentioned. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Paul Higg]

That was it, the solenoid. They eventually go weak then stop working. I doubt you'll have any more trouble with it now. Good luck.

Paul

 

[BobC]

Thanks, now I just have to figure out my horn problem, it's always something!

 

[Paul Higg]

Okay, what's the symptoms? I love to try to help.

Paul

 

[BobC]

The horn quite working from the steering wheel. It still works when the car locks. I replaced the horn relay and it worked a couple of times and then stopped.

 

[Paul Higg]

Do you have an FSM? It seems like I ask that all the time :L.

Anyway, without looking at the wiring diagram I would think that if the horn works when the doors lock the circuit is okay. It sounds (no pun intended) as if you may have a problem in the steering wheel. I had a similar problem with my wife's Ford. Turned out to be the wires somehow got all twisted and broke. Wasn't too had to fix.

 

[BobC]

I'll look in that direction. I don't know what "FSM" is.

 

[Paul Higg]

FSM stands for factory service manual from GM. You can buy them form Davies or E-Bay and other places. They are the actual repair manuals the dealer techs use. WELL worth the investment if you're going to do your own work.

 

[BobC]

Yes, I have the 2 volume set (like a couple of phone books). When I researched them the trail seemed to lead to the relay, that's what I replaced. As I mentioned, when I replaced the module the horn worked a few times, then stopped. They still sound off when the car is locked so it's got to be something between the steering wheel and the relay.

 

[Paul Higg]

Yup, that's where I'd look. Might be a big job pulling a lot of stuff apart.

Good luck.

 

[BobC]

It's easier to just roll down the window and scream.

 

[Paul Higg]

:W
:L