1998 hatch release problems
1998 hatch release problems I have to hit the hatch release button on the key fob 4-5-6-7 times to open the hatch. It is annoying.
I have searched around, and i have found on 1999+ you can add a spring to the release mechanism.. But the <1998 dont have that. Is there a solution to the problem.
I have tried adjusting the stops, but that does nothing. Am i left with replacing the mechanism with a 1999+ unit?
I have searched around, and i have found on 1999+ you can add a spring to the release mechanism.. But the <1998 dont have that. Is there a solution to the problem.
I have tried adjusting the stops, but that does nothing. Am i left with replacing the mechanism with a 1999+ unit?
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,746
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From: dayton, ohio
I heard it's because the TA hatch is so heavy that the spring doesn't always open the first time. My friend told me about adding the spring, and I don't see why it wouldn't work on a 98 unless it has a different opening mechanism.
Go to home depot and buy a 5/8 2.5 inch long spring. Piggyback this bigger spring onto the factory spring. Now the.hatch will pop open first time. Easy 5 minute mod
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I was having the same problem with my 98 camaro. I did two things don't recall which one helped the most. I bought new shocks for the hatch from summit 12 bucks each than i just got a can of silicone grease sprayed lock mechanism and the hatch now pops open as it should. But don't expect it to launch open.
If you buy new shocks, they may not look identical and you can't compress the shock yourself even if you pressing on it against the concrete, but once they are installed they operate fine.
If you buy new shocks, they may not look identical and you can't compress the shock yourself even if you pressing on it against the concrete, but once they are installed they operate fine.
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the struts won't do anything when initially opening the hatch. if they did then it would fly up further and not rest where it does.
if i get a chance i'll post a pic. i got a replacement spring from sears hardware. piggybacking a second spring on to the oem one didn't fit for me. if you take the oem spring off you can use a couple screw drivers to get a feel for how strong it is stretching it. then match it up with a replacement from somewhere of slightly shorter length having much greater tension. that will fix your hatch release. hardest part is getting the new spring in the mechanism, will take a little bit of hand strength and needle nose pliers.
if i get a chance i'll post a pic. i got a replacement spring from sears hardware. piggybacking a second spring on to the oem one didn't fit for me. if you take the oem spring off you can use a couple screw drivers to get a feel for how strong it is stretching it. then match it up with a replacement from somewhere of slightly shorter length having much greater tension. that will fix your hatch release. hardest part is getting the new spring in the mechanism, will take a little bit of hand strength and needle nose pliers.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,628
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 20
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the struts won't do anything when initially opening the hatch. if they did then it would fly up further and not rest where it does.
if i get a chance i'll post a pic. i got a replacement spring from sears hardware. piggybacking a second spring on to the oem one didn't fit for me. if you take the oem spring off you can use a couple screw drivers to get a feel for how strong it is stretching it. then match it up with a replacement from somewhere of slightly shorter length having much greater tension. that will fix your hatch release. hardest part is getting the new spring in the mechanism, will take a little bit of hand strength and needle nose pliers.
if i get a chance i'll post a pic. i got a replacement spring from sears hardware. piggybacking a second spring on to the oem one didn't fit for me. if you take the oem spring off you can use a couple screw drivers to get a feel for how strong it is stretching it. then match it up with a replacement from somewhere of slightly shorter length having much greater tension. that will fix your hatch release. hardest part is getting the new spring in the mechanism, will take a little bit of hand strength and needle nose pliers.
I had a similar issue on my 98. When I use the fob I have to hit it a bunch of times, but it works every time when I hit the button in the car. So I wasn't sure if it was an issue with the key fob more so than the actual release.
I have also been told that swapping shocks from a trans am would help as the rear hatch is heavier, but I haven't really looked into it to much. I'd find it hard to believe that GM would have two different shocks when Camaros/TAs have so many parts in common.
I have also been told that swapping shocks from a trans am would help as the rear hatch is heavier, but I haven't really looked into it to much. I'd find it hard to believe that GM would have two different shocks when Camaros/TAs have so many parts in common.
The 98's don't have a spring or if they do its not accessible.
When opening the hatch area with the key fob you have to hit the trunk switch twice in a row to open, car manul instructions..
I had a similar issue on my 98. When I use the fob I have to hit it a bunch of times, but it works every time when I hit the button in the car. So I wasn't sure if it was an issue with the key fob more so than the actual release.
I have also been told that swapping shocks from a trans am would help as the rear hatch is heavier, but I haven't really looked into it to much. I'd find it hard to believe that GM would have two different shocks when Camaros/TAs have so many parts in common.
I have also been told that swapping shocks from a trans am would help as the rear hatch is heavier, but I haven't really looked into it to much. I'd find it hard to believe that GM would have two different shocks when Camaros/TAs have so many parts in common.
TECH Regular
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 466
Likes: 1
From: Bay area, Ca
On my 98 I was having the same issue and replaced struts and issue was fixed. If the hatch doesn't hold open I would get new struts even if their kind of holding up the hatch. I just got a 01 with the same issue and will be replacing struts just for this same issue. I bought the pair from amazon for 34.99.
