I got a problem with my 89 RS, back in Jan I poped the hatch to get some things out of it and as soon as I poped the hatch it started making this noise, the best way I can think to describe it is. It was close to the sound when you leave you lights on, but a little lower in pitch. So to bring you up to speed, I tired replaceing the relay thats up front in the center console and that didn't fix it. So I removed the entire motor setup. I'm thinking its the motor but haven't replaced it yet due to lack of funds and wanting to make sure its the real problem. The problem is that it wont latch, so my question is has any one else had this problem? and How did you fix it? any sugestions would help, I really want to get rid of the bungee cords that are holding it down now. Thanx

 

Easiest way to test the motor is to take it off and hook it to a battery. Id say more than likely thats the prob, especially if there was ice on teh deck lid when you tied to open it. Not sure of the motor type, you might get away with taking it apart and cleaning the brushes. Just my two cents

 

If the motor is stuck in the down position it will be hard to latch, if not impossible because the striker is to low to catch the latch.

If the motor is stuck in the up position it will latch, but it will not be closed tight and will not suck itself down.

I'd recommend removing the motor and take it apart. see if you can hot wire it or otherwise determine why it failed and maybe clean it up / lubricate it to get it working agian. Otherwise, start combing the for sale section for a replacement.

 

When we first bought our 87 Camaro, (electric hatch motor).. The hatch wouldn't close.. My mom eventually figured out that the metal loop that is used to hold the hatch shut was bent slightly, so it wasn't catching on anything. -- Bent it over, and it latched

 

I have an update on my hatch situation. I took the time this weekend and put the motor and everything back in the car. Because I thought I might have fixed the motor because I opened it up and I think they are called brushes or something back in place because they had fallen out of place. Well it didn't make the noise which was a good sign. And I got everything back in place and I press the switch and it released. This made me very happy since it now latches, but it doesn't pull it down.

So my question now is would could some possible reason be? Any ideas or sugestions are welcome.

 

Sorry I can't help with your hatch problem but a warring to others. The biggest problem new owners of 3rd gen cars with the automatic hatch pull down is: " People Slaming Them Shut" the surest way to destroy the pull down
motor.