I have a 1987 z28 with the electric hatch pull down that didn't work when I bought it. So this weekend I took it all apart and put it back together to see if it would change anything, and then it started to work. I opened and closed it like 6 times and then I was going to try it one more time for the heck of it. I opened it and when I put it down to close it, the latch didn't hook and the assembly moved down about an inch so now its stuck back there again. I didn't want to take it all apart before I asked everyone if they knew what might be the problem? I don't see much on this topic on here. Thanks for the help

 

Fiddle with the contact to see what it does. Lube the snot out of it with some WD and move it by depressing the contact, not with the hatch.. See if it starts working again. It may be time for a new one.

 

A few things to check. First to re-set the hatch pull-down unit you'll need to press on the striker-sensing switch. The switch is located just in front of the latch and is attached with a single small hex-head screw. There is a small black plastic paddle that you'll need to press. When you press the switch the pull-down motor should turn on and power the latch down. Keep holding down the switch until the unit reaches the bottom of the cycle. You should heat a CLICK which is the reversing switch being tripped to shut off the down cycle. Now release the striker-sensing switch and the motor should power the latch assy all the way up and CLICK, again tripping the reversing switch to turn off the up cycle. The unit is now re-set.

Next check the condition of the latch assembly. You can test the latching of it with the round shaft of a screwdriver to verify that it latches properly. Lube it with grease and silicone. If it is already latched you'll need to unlatch it with either the key of optional hatch release switch. If the latch isn't wokrking properly you'll need to replace it.

Next thing to check is if the hatch hook is properly aligned with the latch. Lower the hatch until it is close to the latch and see that it is centered on the latch. Also check that the hatch is aligned properly. It is common for the hatch to be pushed too far towards the rear of the car causing the hatch hook to not align properly with the latch. If this is the case you'll need to align the hatch. There is a Tech Article on this procedure here on THirdgen.org, or you can have a body shop do it for you.

I have all the parts available on my web site to repair these hatch pull-down units.



Lon Salgren

 

The hatch pull down motor was bad on my 89 TA. The release switch on the dash and key worked to open it though. So I just unbolted the entire hatch pull down assembly and bolted it to the frame about an inch lower (you want to measure this accurately so the hatch latches when you close it without hitting the body of the car. Now, I just close the hatch by lowering like any other hatchback / caravan etc.. and release it with the dashboard button. Was a long time ago, but I don't think there was more to it than that other than making sure to disconnect / unplug the motor in case it cought one day.

It's a hack but it's been like that for 10 years and no problems. Cars in great condition but not a show car so it was a great idea for me while in a pinch. FrankenHatch