hatch release still won't work

**mdcrabbie** · 02-16-2009, 08:12 AM

my 2000ss has the dreaded hatch problem, it only half releases when you try to open it and you have to keep pressing the button to release it. I have tried everything, including adjusting the rubber bumpers, adding a second release spring and adding a stronger spring in replace of the stock one. It still works less than 50% of the time. Really pissing me off now.

**BADASS2000SS** · 02-16-2009, 08:44 AM

Rip it off and throw it thru a window! It will make you feel A LOT better. Your trunk still won't work, and you will need a new window...BUT, you will feel a lot better.

**SS02** · 02-16-2009, 08:54 AM

I think there is a kit for that? I am just starting to have the
same problem when it is cold. Someone will post some good info
just give it time!

**Firebirdjones** · 02-16-2009, 09:34 AM

My wifes 2000 had the same problem when we bought it. I fiddled with the rubber bumpers as you did with no results. It wasn't until I adjusted the latch itself that fixed 90% of it. It was livable but still wasn't just quite right yet.

From there I looked into the various ideas and fixes. I didn't really like the piggy back spring idea so....
I took the mechanism apart, welded the hole on the spring arm shut and redrilled it as high as I could,,,about 1/8 inch from original location for a little more spring tension. After grinding the weld flush and repainting it looks factory.

So far it's been great. I am thinking though if I need more tension I am going to straighten that spring arm. It seems to be made with a slight bend at the pivot point. Straightening that by cutting a slot and rewelding again would give me even more tension. So far this hasn't been necessary but it's the next direction I'll go if the problem comes back again.

**bigrondownhiller** · 02-16-2009, 01:13 PM

Do the gas struts still hold the hatch up? Have you tried lubing the latch mechanism?

**mdcrabbie** · 02-16-2009, 01:27 PM

yes, struts still good and I lubed locked mech.

**Anthracis** · 02-16-2009, 06:31 PM

Get a new latching mech from the stealership?

**camarojunky74** · 02-16-2009, 09:42 PM

no new release mechanism needed, just go to lowes or home depot, and grab a spring the same length as the spring on the mechanism behind the carpet, then piggy back the original spring with the newer heavier duty spring and your done.

hope this helps good luck

**Danger731** · 02-16-2009, 09:45 PM

^ +1, do a search next time

**CJREX** · 02-16-2009, 10:13 PM

He's already added the second spring and replaced the original spring.

Same thing happened on mine.

Second spring still wouldn't pop it.

Ended up replacing the struts.

**mdcrabbie** · 02-17-2009, 03:15 AM

did replacing the struts cure the problem?

**CJREX** · 02-17-2009, 04:25 AM

Yes.

My struts were strong enough to hold the hatch open, but too weak to lift it.

I had to lift the hatch by the spoiler when I opened it.

**BADASS2000SS** · 02-17-2009, 08:31 AM

Originally Posted by CJREX

He's already added the second spring and replaced the original spring.

Same thing happened on mine.

Second spring still wouldn't pop it.

Ended up replacing the struts.

There is the answer! Nice job boys!

"Stealership" Now thats funny!

**Anthracis** · 02-17-2009, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by camarojunky74

no new release mechanism needed, just go to lowes or home depot, and grab a spring the same length as the spring on the mechanism behind the carpet, then piggy back the original spring with the newer heavier duty spring and your done.

hope this helps good luck

I said new mech because he already stated that he tried the extra spring mod and said his struts were good.