when i hit the switch, instead of popping the lid open, it just adjusts it up and down. what could be wrong?

 

No, it is releasing the trunk latch. The motor is powering up and the latch is re-acquiring the hatch (trunk) hook before you open the trunk. Once it reaches the top the reversing switch is tripped, but since the hatch hook is already latched again it immediately starts the down cycle. Does that describe what is going on in your case?

Solution: First, what is the condition of the trunk pneumatic struts? You need good struts that will hold up the trunk even in cold weather. Second, you can adjust the hatch pull-down assembly up or down a bit until you get it to the point that when you push the hatch release button it will unlatch the trunk, but WON'T start the up cycle yet until you've walked around until you lift up the trunk. Before you move it up and down, mark the current location of the pull-down frame to the body with a scratch awl or permanent marker so you'll know your starting point. Also make sure the trunk hook is aligned with the latch, adjust the pull-down unit side-to-side if needed to align it. All my suggestions assume there are no problems with your pull-down unit that should be fixed such as bad guides, bad gear nut or broken hatch motor housing.

Lon

 

yes, and btw, it only moves when i hold down the switch, there is no automatic movement. i am still confused on how i can adjust the motor for it to work properly.

 

Sorry, I didn't realize you have a late 91-92 style pull-down motor. The description I gave and solution apply to the earlier 86-91 pull-down motor. Your motor should power up once you push the button. As it nears the top of it's cycle there is a lever on the back side of the latch that contacts a ramp that is screwed to the back of the frame. Tthat ramp rotates the lever to release the latch. At that point there it a spring that pushes the hatch hook up and free of the pull-down unit. Here's a possible reason why it isn't unlatching. If either that lever is broken or the ramp block is broken or missing your pull-down unit WILL NOT UNLATCH. Manually release the latch with your key. Then press on the striker-sensing switch to lower the pull-down assembly. Have someone press the hatch release button and watch the pull-down unit with a flashlight in the area between the back side of the latch and the rear frame of the pull-down unit. You'll be able to see if the small lever on the backside of the latch is being tripped by the ramp block. If it turns out to be a lever problem it can be repaired, but you'd need the parts from a good used pull-down unit. It's probably best just to replace the entire pull-down unit with another good one. If the ramp block it missing I sell them on my site.

Lon Salgren

 

im pretty sure that im missing that block. thx for pointing that out, but will it automatically go down as well when i install the block?

 

Yes. All that block does is rotate the lever on the back side of the latch on the way up. It has no effect on it on the down cycle.

Lon

 

thx for the help, ill have to order one of those soon

 

Any pics of the ramp block so i know where to look. My 92 does the same. It will rise then pull right back down.

 

http://www.top-downsolutions.com/lat...ody-p-152.html