bigbomber5

Hello, I have a 2002 Trans Am and ever since I've had it the rear hatch has gave me problems. It all has to do with opening/closing it. To close it I really have to slam it pretty good so it will completely close. To open it, using either the button on my keyless entry or on the car, I have to press it several times while trying to pry the hatch open with my fingers so it will finally let loose so I can open it.
Any idea on what may be going on?
Thanks!

RARON455

iTrader: (35)

Sounds like the latch inside the trunk is out of adjustment. Remove the carpet around it, and yoy can loosen the mounting bolts and try to adjust it. From what you are saying I would try to pull the latch up some, that may help. This all of course is based on your support struts being straight.

Latch

iTrader: (8)

I have the same problems with mine... I think it's just how our cars are. One thing you can do to make it pop on the first try is to piggyback another spring onto your latch assembly.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

The latch spring is a common culprit for hatch opening but doesn't fit with the problems closing. (I'd still check the spring anyway.)

Things may be too "tight." I'd check the bumpers on the corners of the body and make sure they aren't pressing out too far. You can turn them clockwise to shorten how high they sit out. Or, a previous owner may have over-springed the latch.

jaxcam02

iTrader: (1)

I changed my spring from that stock POS with one about the same length but much stronger and I no longer have to press the button so many times and pry it with my hands anymore.

TransAmWS.6

Where is this spring located at and what do I replace it with? I have the same exact issue with mines as everybody is describing, I have to press the button on the key fob like 7 times for it to pop open, and even then it's unusually tough to lift up and close.

jaxcam02

iTrader: (1)

In the hatch, theres the hole in the carpeting when the latching mechanism is, youll want to pull the carpet back youll see a black spring with some sort of mesh around it, youll then want to grab a GOOD pair of pliers and lift the end of the spring off of where it is mounted, its going to take a good grip to slide it off, i would watch for possible kick back also. then take it to a home improvement store and try to match the length to a stronger thicker spring then repeat to put it on. Sometimes ace will let you take out parts to the car to test fit, i got mine from home depot. and just replaced the spring. Or like someone said before you can get a smaller spring to hook onto the coils of the stock spring to give it more tension but I decided just to replace the whole spring cuz it was under 3 bucks.

jaxcam02

iTrader: (1)

also to help with the opening you could replace the shocks. and on closing I would check the bump stops on each side of the hatch and make them smaller. When you put a stronger spring on the latch, your going to have to use force to overcome the tension and get it to close fully anyways.

Latch

iTrader: (8)

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

This is what I did, never had a problem popping it ever since. Still takes some effort to close it though.

02ws.sik

^i need to go do this tommorow.

jaxcam02

iTrader: (1)

good link, thats where i found my fix to the issue.

bigbomber5

Thanks for all the feedback on this issue. I'm glad I'm not the only one with this problem.

johnny89345

iTrader: (1)

wow theirs an adjustment? im so happy i found this thread it takes me 10 slams to close my trunk and 5 mins to get it open.

TAaddict

Another reason I love this site! Thanks for the fix...it was a real PITA!