Hello all,

Just picked up a 1992 RS as a project car a couple days ago. I was out this morning assessing what all I'm going to need for it, and just noticed a serious problem. I was trying to open the hatch, and it's not working so well. The switch between the window controls works, and the power hatch seems to be working... but as soon as it gets all the way up like it's going to release the hatch, it immediately closes back down?!? So I walk around the car to try the key (doors will need re-keyed, as they've been replaced and only have ignition key, so I don't have one for them) and there isn't even a lock cylinder behind the tag? Now I don't know how the eff to get the hatch open?!?!

Any help would be great,

Thanks!

 

May be the struts won't lift the hatch when it's released. Until you get a lock cylinder you'll need to press the button and run round to the back to pull up the hatch manually. Add a pair of struts to your list.

 

I did that, and it's not releasing it! It clicks like it's released but it isn't seeming like it when I try and pull up on it. I have no idea why that would happen if it's still raising it up some with the switch?

 

Why style do you have? As far as I know, there were two styles. I have the style that appears to be made out of a brown composite material. ON that style, i know there is supposed to be a little ramp just behind the latch on the unit. The way it sounds is that the ramp is missing. WHen you push the button, the motor goes up right?

 

Yeah the motor is lifting it up. just when it gets to the point of release it clicks and starts sucking it back down again, even if I am pulling up when it's still raising.

 

Yeah, you probably need the ramp thing. Which type of pulldown do you have? Is it metal, or made out of a composite material?

 

The hatch should release immediately. It doesn't wait for the mechanism to reach the top of its travel. You'll have to climb in the back and get a good close look at what's going on. You should be able to see and manually release (with a screwdriver) the catch so it'll let go the hatch. It sounds like the up/down operation is ok.

 

That changed for 91-92. Before 91 it would pop as if you had used the key. FOr 91-92, it goes up then pops.

 

I'm not sure which kind is is. How would I tell so I can get the hatch to open?

 

THe only way I can think is to remove the inner plastic part covering the hatch pulldown. I don't know how you would do that without breaking it.

 

What's in the lock cylinder space? Can you see in? Can you see what needs to be turned to release the hatch? Otherwise plastic may need to be sacrificed. Maybe you can bend without breaking the plastic.???

 

Ive had trouble with them things on 3 different third gens..My 89 is welded, and works just fine...Been like that for about 6 years I think..i am not a fan of the electric pull down..I know others like it tho...Good Luck...Tom

BTW, you can lay down inside, and use a flat tip screwdriver to open the hatch...Pull the plastic cover off...Did that for a while...

 

I had this problem with my 89 and just had to adjust the bolts on the slide mounts to give it the right clearance. Worked great after that. Good luck