Hatch release problem

**mdcrabbie** · 02-08-2009, 05:58 AM

Hey guys, been having a problem with the hatch release on my 2000 ss. It hangs up all the time, it pops but then hangs up and I have to press and hold the remote to release it. Someone told me I need to upgrade my spring on the relaese mechanism since the SS spoilers are heavier and this is a common problem. Anyone have a part # or where I can get the upgraded spring?

**Camaro98Z/28** · 02-08-2009, 06:31 AM

try spraying some pb/wd-40 or lithium grease on it?

**Dr.Crash** · 02-08-2009, 06:59 AM

Here ya go, check this out

http://www.installuniversity.com/ins...ease_fix_2.htm

**2001NBMZ28** · 02-08-2009, 07:00 AM

You can piggyback another spring over the stock one - available at your local hardware store. Visit www.installuniversity.com and click on Rear Hatch Release Fix 2.

**Firebirdjones** · 02-08-2009, 08:06 AM

Originally Posted by mdcrabbie

Hey guys, been having a problem with the hatch release on my 2000 ss. It hangs up all the time, it pops but then hangs up and I have to press and hold the remote to release it. Someone told me I need to upgrade my spring on the relaese mechanism since the SS spoilers are heavier and this is a common problem. Anyone have a part # or where I can get the upgraded spring?

I have the exact same issue with my wifes 2000 SS. I've tried WD-40 and that didn't work.
I adjusted the latch a few times trying to find that happy spot and have been successfull in making it work a little better. Now it hangs up only once in a while.

**Firebirdjones** · 02-08-2009, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by Dr.Crash

Here ya go, check this out

http://www.installuniversity.com/ins...ease_fix_2.htm

I will look into that but I think I may rather just tinker with the factory spring and try to make that work a little better rather than just sticking another spring onto it. Thanks for the ideas though.

**Boomer Sooner** · 02-08-2009, 08:52 AM

Originally Posted by mdcrabbie

Hey guys, been having a problem with the hatch release on my 2000 ss. It hangs up all the time, it pops but then hangs up and I have to press and hold the remote to release it. Someone told me I need to upgrade my spring on the relaese mechanism since the SS spoilers are heavier and this is a common problem. Anyone have a part # or where I can get the upgraded spring?

I have the same problem on my Z. Atleast when I hit the release button thats to the left of the steering wheel. I never hassled with it so I always just use my key fob. When I use my key fob it opens every time.

**Firebirdjones** · 02-08-2009, 12:23 PM

Originally Posted by Danger731

^ wrong answer

**mpfranks** · 02-08-2009, 04:07 PM

im gonna try that, cuz mine hangs up a bit too

**Y2KPewterSS** · 02-08-2009, 05:10 PM

Originally Posted by 2001NBMZ28

You can piggyback another spring over the stock one - available at your local hardware store. Visit www.installuniversity.com and click on Rear Hatch Release Fix 2.

I did this to mine 3-4 years ago. Didn't solve it completely, but helped it a lot. It works correctly about 80% of the time now.

**Firebirdjones** · 02-08-2009, 06:21 PM

I looked mine over and came up with what I think is a better solution for my taste. I just don't like the idea of a piggyback spring on there,,,kinda hillbilly.
Tomorrow I can remove the arm, weld the hole for the spring and re-drill slightly higher for more spring tension. If that ends up not being enough I can straighten the arm slightly for a little more tension. Thats probably all I will need since a little time adjusting has already taken care of 90% of it.
It only hangs 1 out of 10 tries.

**allbaugh_04** · 02-09-2009, 05:37 AM

Originally Posted by Y2KPewterSS

I did this to mine 3-4 years ago. Didn't solve it completely, but helped it a lot. It works correctly about 80% of the time now.

Yep, me too

**mdcrabbie** · 02-22-2009, 02:41 PM

actually I understand the problem is in the stut supports (getting weak) not with the lock mechanism. Thats why the spring trick dosen't always work

**SS02** · 02-22-2009, 02:58 PM

My struts are very solid!
I have to work to pull my hatch down... it is the at the release, for
me. When it pops it is up just like that!

Maybe just my SS?
It is a latch issue here!

**ls1sscamaro** · 02-24-2009, 03:36 PM

On the problem with the trunk release or back hatch what ever you call it ,my car has 2900 miles on it ,this has happened from new ,so i stretched out the stock spring ,worked for a while back too the same old thing .

**mdcrabbie** · 02-25-2009, 05:28 PM

mine's a 2000 with only 5800 miles on it. I figured it's 9 yrs old and maybe the struts are weak. Have ordered new ones and will see how that helps. I will really be pissed if if still hangs up after spending 80+ on struts.

**Firebirdjones** · 02-25-2009, 05:33 PM

Originally Posted by mdcrabbie

mine's a 2000 with only 5800 miles on it. I figured it's 9 yrs old and maybe the struts are weak. Have ordered new ones and will see how that helps. I will really be pissed if if still hangs up after spending 80+ on struts.

Wow they cost that much??

**mdcrabbie** · 02-25-2009, 05:36 PM

I got the oem Gm parts off the Gm parts direct site for about 41.00 each, half what the stealer would charge. Interesting they have different prices for each side. Whats up with that?

**KyleLs1** · 02-25-2009, 05:37 PM

mine did the same, even with new struts - piggy backing a spring works perfectly, if you try it and it doesn't work.... you are not using a small enough spring.

**AKohler883** · 11-18-2009, 08:48 AM

I tried to adjust my latch down, so there was more tension on the seals (thus pop better), plus it never seemed to be down as far as it could be. And I got water in it once ... but doing that did not help.
With the button, or the key fob, I get maybe a 1 in 10 chance that it will open.
I am going to modify the spring to give it more tension .... if not I will go for new struts.