Rear hatch release not working
Rear hatch release not working My rear hatch release is not working (the one on the dash, yellow button to the left of the steering wheel). However the release on my key fob works fine. I've checked the fuses. Any help would be much appreciated.
Originally Posted by Muffracing
Is your battery charged up good. Mine wouldn't work the other day and the battery was low.
Mine did this right after my A4 to M6 swap. Mine had 2 problems the first was the wiring in the center console was fugged so it wasn't getting good connection. I fixed that and then it would work great with the key fob but not the switch on the dash. I took a 400 grit sand paper and sanded the metal plate inside the switch. If this doesn't work it is probably the switch or the fuse. The key fob and switch run off different fuses. One of those should do it for you.
Originally Posted by *98Formula*
Mine did this right after my A4 to M6 swap. Mine had 2 problems the first was the wiring in the center console was fugged so it wasn't getting good connection. I fixed that and then it would work great with the key fob but not the switch on the dash. I took a 400 grit sand paper and sanded the metal plate inside the switch. If this doesn't work it is probably the switch or the fuse. The key fob and switch run off different fuses. One of those should do it for you.
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: MANCHESTER UK
Go to installuniversity.com the fix is on there (basically crap spring)
Originally Posted by Cyborg
My rear hatch release is not working (the one on the dash, yellow button to the left of the steering wheel). However the release on my key fob works fine. I've checked the fuses. Any help would be much appreciated.
Trending Topics
TECH Regular
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 416
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
Originally Posted by ALZ28
Go to installuniversity.com the fix is on there (basically crap spring)
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine
Verdad Gallardo
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin
Verdad Gallardo
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Originally Posted by Muffracing
His latch isn't moving when he pushes the button under the dash, but works with the flob. I dont think the springs are the problem in this case.
It's either your relay that powers the switch or the hatch motor itself. I have a used/working hatch motor $20 shipped.
The relay is under the knee bolster on the driver's side. You can get the relay at Napa, Part # 12177235.
Napa Autoparts carries it for $22.99
The relay is under the knee bolster on the driver's side. You can get the relay at Napa, Part # 12177235.
Napa Autoparts carries it for $22.99
Originally Posted by CANNIBAL
It's either your relay that powers the switch or the hatch motor itself. I have a used/working hatch motor $20 shipped.
The relay is under the knee bolster on the driver's side. You can get the relay at Napa, Part # 12177235.
Napa Autoparts carries it for $22.99
The relay is under the knee bolster on the driver's side. You can get the relay at Napa, Part # 12177235.
Napa Autoparts carries it for $22.99
Let me know. Mine would do the same as your situation and then the fob wouldn't fire it anymore. Found that it was the relay. When you take the panel out and are trying to find the relay, hit your trunk release on the key fob and you'll hear the relay click, that'll help you locate it.
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
02 Pontiac firebird I don't see under that panel at all. Could it be under the console?
Teching In
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Where is the trunk release relay on 02 formula Is the relay located behind the instrument cluster bezel?
Teching In
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
All these people saying that there's a motor in the hatches they just don't know what they are talking about.. only the third generation cars had a motor motorized hatch. No 4th generation car ever came with a. Motor in the hatch. That was something GM fixed and addressed before releasing the 4th generation car. It was such a problem for 3rd generation cars that's why it's not on the 4th gen. If your car has a release hatch button on a 4th gen car it's a yellow button right on the knee kick panel. If you don't see it immediately it's not there and you don't have one.. If you push the button and it doesn't work and everything else is working you have a bad relay, fuse or switch.. First check the fuse. Once you confirm the fuse is good, do like one of the guys in the thread says... hit your button with the key on and listen for the relay. It is under the dash under the knee /kick panel that you have to take off. The same panel connected to the yellow switch. That panel has to come off and then you have to put the key in the on position. Begin hitting either your key fob or the button. If the button is good, Both will lead you to the relay. If the button is no good, it will not lead you to the relay cuz it will make no noise. Now you know you need a button. Once you put the button in, now you check the relay again make sure it is still working or check the relay with the key fob and you'll know either way if it's working. They're really not far underneath the dash but they're tucked under there. Easy to get to once you know where they are. It's a little work yes but you can get to it. But I don't think it's The switch. It's usually never the switch. It's always the relay or the fuse.
Last edited by Mezzy; May 16, 2026 at 08:02 AM.
