So the rear hatch on my 89 RS was not wanting to latch. I havent had the car very long, and just got the plastic off today to see what was preventing it from locking and you'll never believe what I found.

Turns out there's a linear actuator in there that's supposed to pull the hatch down automatically once it's been closed.

The plastic mount that holds the electric motor in place... broke, I imagine rendering the actuator useless.

The previous owner, though - the dingleberry - instead of fixing the part or replacing it (for what? 10 bucks in a boneyard?) drilled a hole through the sliding tracks and stuck a screw in either side... and proceeded to snap the heads off.

I asked him "do all the electrical systems work? All the utilities?" straight faced, right in the eye said "yes." The passenger electric unlock doesnt work, either. Lying sack of guy who didnt care about his car.

Anyways, I shifted the whole mechanism up about a milimeter with the three main mount bolts and it works now. I'll get it replaced - maybe by May.

I didnt really want this to turn into a blog entry... anyone else ever have the same problem? With the mechanism, or the previous owner? Feel free to comment.

 

i had the same thing happen to me. i asked the guy if EVERYTHING worked and he said oh yes. well like an idiot i didnt check the trunk lid. got it home and i have to slam the trunk closed as hard as i can to get it to lock. i still have to take it all apart to check it out. and 2 days after i got it home, the door locks stopped working. lol

 

thats nothing my whole mount for the lock was cut out i had to get another off a parts car and get the new one welded on then find a lock on ebay for that mount which is the late 92 year model which sucked so basically i have been driving around for about 2 months with my hatch jumpin open when i hit a bump but u bought the car how it is in my sig for 2k so i really came out ahead the rims alone and the lambo hinges are worth about 2500