Rear Hatch not securing

[MaxxMitchell]

I just noticed today that when i closed my hatchback it did not draw its self close. I looked at it agian and when i open my hatch the latch does not raise up. i can here it trying to move and it sounds like usual. Its like the motor driving it has broken its mechanical connetion or some as broken. Its got me worried becase the rains are comming here and i can not get a good seal in the hatch. Oh also its an 87 firebird so it has had some years on it.

[StudlyCamaro]

i would try a 3rd gen board. the 4th gen cars dont have a power hatch closer thing

[Everglades W68]

High Performace Pontiac did an article on replacing the pull down latch motors and mounts. I think you'll find it really helpful:

http://www.highperformancepontiac.co...aid/index.html

I owned an 87 Firebird (see pics in my sig, below) from new to 138K and the big problem, from my view, was that the latch was made to be closed with just moderate force. However, most people slammed down the hatch really hard, thus causing failure over time.

[Jeff Robins]

the motor is mounted on by a plastic bracket, and is you aren't careful, the thing breaks and you're screwed. I couldn't find anywhere that had the motor for sale except for chevy, so it cost me 100 bucks for a whole new motor and bracket. works great now. Good Luck

[3.4 slow to go]

try THIS

it's apdf file, and mighthelp out.

[3.4 slow to go]

also try this TOO

[91Firebird]

My electric hatch lock broke a couple years ago. I ended up installing a regular lock in there. The only disadvantage to that is I can't use the button in the interior to open the trunk anymore, but at least this way I don't have to worry about it breaking again, and I don't open my trunk anyway since there is no room to store anything with the amp and subs back there.

Don't you hate it when someone who is not familiar with your car slams the trunk shut? That is probably why my electric hatch lock broke in the first place.

[David Blalock]

Actually, the motor mount isn't plastic on the 86-91 cars. I think mid year 91-92 they used an injection molded plastic frame which I think was a completely stupid idea. Anyway, Top Down Solutions here has a rebuild kit for 102.50 that replaces most of the parts back there and replaces them with a better design. I'm thinking about doing this to mine since I got lucky and have an early 91 that has the metal brackets. Good luck.
David