Hello all. I'm new to the forum. I just bought an '87 IROC (my first 3rd gen) and have been having problems with the rear hatch. It closes normally. When I open it, the motor runs and the hatch raises, but then it immediately cycles down again, latching the hatch. First thing I did was replace the guides (one of the orginals was broken), but it does the same thing. Any ideas on what the problem might be? Worn out struts?

Thanks

 

My struts are not strong enough to lift the hatch, but they will hold it open if I lift it by hand. As a result, mine will do just what you described.

Personally, I like it just the way it is. You just have to be sure to grab the hatch after turning the key. I like to do this, as it quickly takes the stress off the motor...it's not lifting the hatch up. On closing, I very gently lower the hatch until it just clicks, then let the motor take over.

 

Thanks. I'm going to replace the struts and see what happens.

 

Someone could have misadjusted it or changed the hatch motor/ assembly at one point causing it to do what you've mentioned

 

New struts. I have to press the release button and get to the hatch quick and lift it by hand before it pulls back down. And a stick to hold it open. The struts only hold it open on warm days. But I don't open the hatch very often so I live with it.

 

Worn gas lifts. The hatch stays down, pressing against the trigger which signals it to close the hatch. Either replace the lifts, or be there to lift the hatch up by hand as soon as it is release. (Don't put your fingers under the hatch, they'll be trapped when it pulls the hatch down)