OK, I've done my research and looked at previous threads. I just want to see if I have this right.

My hatch release button actually releases the hatch. The motor actually does start working. But it pulls the hatch back down before I can even make it to the back of the car. There are absolutely no problems with opening it with the key. I also have brand new hatch struts in the back.

Sometimes, when I get the hatch open, I have a really hard time closing it. Meaning that the motor tries and tries to pull it down, but it doesn't catch. With some fooling around, I notice that if I can get the motor to work itself all the way up and fully release, it will close the hatch just fine. This method takes at least 5 attempts, and I look like an idiot doing it. This may also be coupled with times I actually try the hatch release button inside the car and then have to reopen the hatch with the key, but I'm not 100% on that.

I know the obvious answer...lay off the damned hatch release button and just use the key.

But is something else going on here? Is the entire motor starting to fail, or could it be just the pull down relay, the reversing switch, or possibly just the guides? I don't want to throw out $275 on a motor if I don't need to.

Also, how hard would it be for someone of average to below average mechanical ability to swap these parts out?

Alot of times, mine will recatch and reclose before I can get to it also. I always asumed it was weak struts, but maybe not. It's just a simple matter of the hatch catch not lifting far enough off the switch in the motor, so when it gets to the top, it senses the catch is still there, and thus starts pulling it back down again.

I always just get out of the car, close the door, then reach in the window and hit the release button - that way I'm already out of the car and can "catch it in time".

Or - I use my key fob - I have a remote lock release installed with the 3rd button wired into the hatch release.

I do know that on my 92 camaro (which is most likely different, I don't know about firebird) that when you push the button, it bring the hatch motor up and there is a little ramp piece in the entire assemly which then unlatched the hatch. Maybe that is what you need?

I wonder if a little WD40 might help with the catch not separating enough?

mine used to re-catch itself and pull back down. I put on some better struts and it opens beautifully now. were your new struts the right size for your car? i think heaver spoilers have more powerful struts

I'm pretty sure I ordered the right struts. I got them at Autozone. They were special order, and I made sure they knew that I have a spoiler. Now that you mention it, they seem slightly weaker than they did a year ago. They still hold the trunk up just fine, but now the lid has to be "helped" slightly into position.

I got them less than a year ago, so there might still be a month or two left on the warranty. I could try to see if they'll take them back, or I could just use the key. That part's not a big deal to me. I'm more concerned about getting the hatch to close consistently, which happens about 9 out of 10 times when I open it with the key.

my hatch won't close unless I press the plastic lever on the housing, It doesn't go up on its own unless I do that. Is that what you have to do too?

I'm not sure...I've never tried that.

Personally, I converted over to the Manual assembly a few years ago.

I removed the power pull down on mine too. The hatch will not open on it's own if you press the button on the dash no matter what struts you have. The nice thing about diching the pull down is that it won't close on you befor you make it back there.

BTW when closing your hatch close it GENTLY. If you close it too hard the plastic sliders break and the motor shorts out. That's why my pull down is in a landfill now. To be honest I perfer it the way it is now.