pHEnomIC

iTrader: (14)

I am having issues with my trunk on my trans am. It actuates fine when the button is pushed but it doesnt pop the trunk up. I have to pull up on it while actuating it a second time to get it open.

I have tried adjusting the stops, i replaced the latch with a different one (albeit used), and also added a second spring like they did on installuniveristy and I am stuck with the same issue. Any advice?

Majestic9C1

iTrader: (19)

I had the same problem and I piggybacked the stock spring with a 2.5 inch long 5/8th diameter spring I got from Home Depot..

It pops up fine on the first time..with either the key fob or the dash button..

Daniel Richards

iTrader: (1)

Dealing with this myself, the issue (atleast for me) comes from signs my car has been hit in the rear at some point (before I owned it) that is causing the spring loaded latch to slide up the back side of the hook on the hatch.

check out this picture and video of what helped me some.

RSAXON1979

iTrader: (1)

I need to try try this, i have to open my hatch with the key because when i use the button it doesn't lift up enough to clear the lock.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Do your struts hold the hatch open once you so get it open? Also, the bumpers attached to the car at the edges of the hatch would be too tight.

Was the new latch really brand new and are you sure the helper spring you installed was strong enough?

pHEnomIC

iTrader: (14)

Perfect, that video did the trick.
I moved the latch on the hatch itself forward a bit and it seems to work perfect.
Thanks guys!

Nathan C

The TA hatch is heavier than the base Firebird hatch therefore it doesn't always open on the first try. Like Majestic9c1 said, piggyback the spring.

Flaring Afro

It's supposed to pop up a little?

Daniel Richards

iTrader: (1)

Yes, when you hit the button the spring loaded piece is supposed to raise the hatch to just above the locking mechanism, the problem being experienced here is that misalignment of the system is causing the hatch to remain latched shut even after pressing the button resulting in the need to lift the hatch while pressing the button.

FYI, a T/A hatch without the wing in place will actually raise all the way up when you hit the button, the wing is what weighs it down, so if you wanted to give an added boost to a regular firebird/formula hatch you could install the T/A lift shocks.

If you read the thread he already did the helper spring, but even that won't help if the problem is a misalignment like I explain in the video.

chrysler kid

iTrader: (14)

I doubt the formula hatch is any lighter, both were blown on my formula and you had to use both hands to hold that hatch up

o2k

Have any pictures?

Majestic9C1

iTrader: (19)

I'll take one after work

Daniel Richards

iTrader: (1)

having removed a firebird/formula hatch to install a T/A hatch less then 6 weeks ago I can tell you the T/A hatch is significantly heavier, I would say like 25-40% heavier.

o2k

Thank You.

senicalj4579

iTrader: (41)

All three of the ls1 Camaros Iv owned had this problem. On my current car the only way to open is to repeatedly push the button on the key ring while lifting the hatch at the same time. Its something I am very used to and I don't care.

demonspeed

iTrader: (7)

Same here. I've not had one that didn't take a few pops to get it. Par for the course, but I might try the above posted fix!

Majestic9C1

iTrader: (19)

ok here is a pic of the new spring on top of the factory spring (gives it more tension)



Here is where the hatch sits at after hitting the dash button or fob button one time.




as you can see it pops higher which allows you to just grab it and lift up.

no more hitting buttons like you are trying to execute a 20 hit combo on Mortal Kombat.

senicalj4579

iTrader: (41)

Good stuff right there

knight_rider

Been having problems with mine for awhile and saw this thread, stopped by Home Depot today and bought the spring, now my hatch pops up fine the first time with no issues after hitting the the dash button or fob button. Problem solved thanks to this thread.

2nd Gen Fl 'bird

iTrader: (13)

My hatch supports would not hold up my Camaro hatch. That being said, I was thinking the same on it being a weak spring to "pop" the hatch high enough to grab and open. In my case, I bought new supports(needed anyway) and installed them and was going to address the weak spring afterwards. Hit the hatch button and bam, spring was fine. Charge in supports is getting weak. Even if it will hold hatch.