I'm sure some of you have had this problem. My hatch release works fine, but my hatch motor doesn't work. When I close the hatch it stays at an up position and it doesn't go down...it doesn't do anything. The cigarette lighter doesn't work either, so that migh have something to do with it. I checked all the fuses and they are good.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

Does anyone have any idea were I should start?

 

Having same problem with 86 TA, so far Ive bought a complete assembly from boneyard for 50bucks not bad right. well the darn thing has the same problem, and it looks brandy new

 

On 1987-92 F-bodies the fuse for the hatch pull-down motor is in the #3 position (first row from the top, third column from the left). The fuse for the cigarette lighter is the #11 position (third row from the top, third column from the left). In 1986 the fuse for the pull-down motor was separate from the fuse block. Since that #11 fuse also powers the hatch release it is odd, since you said the release functions fine. You'll need to remove the rear plastic trim covering the hatch pull-down unit and check that you have +12v at the red with white stripe wire. You'll find it plugged into the blue wire of the hatch pull-down unit. If you have power there, then you need to invesitgate the unit further. Most likely it is the striker-sensing switch which is located next to the latch and is actuated by the hatch hook. That switch also contains all the wiring for the unit and plugs into the reversing switch attached to the motor. You may discover that someone has disconnedted the plug either at the blue wire or where it connects to the reversing switch. In either case this indicates that a part called the gear nut is bad. The gear nut is driven by the worm drive of the motor and raises and lowers the hatch pull-down unit. If it has shredded its teeth the unit will run continuously until unplugged. Look over the instructions that I've linked from my web site so you'll know how to properly disassemble and repair the unit. I sell all the parts you'll need on my web site.

Lon Salgren
Top-Down Solutions

 

I have the same problem on a 1991 z28. I'm pretty sure the striker-sensing switch is working, but I'll check the voltage again. How likely is it that the relay has gone bad?

 

I had some time today after work so I hit the pull down problem with a clear head.
1st I tested the motor by feeding power to the small holes near the revearsing switch( not sure of name) power good motor runs in both directions. But it wouldnt work with power comin thru the wires so I tore apart the revearsing switch. and bingo it had 1 contact all mucked up, alittle electric cleaner and di-electric grease and the pull down is fully operational. woohoo