Hello - 2004 SR5 V8 with 130K
About a month ago my rear hatch stopped unlatching when I pressed the release button and hauled up on it. I could still hear the motor working and the hatch would release a little but not completely unlatch so that I could open it. Eventually it worked and I was able to get it opened. I took the rear panel off and checked all the connections for corrosion etc. and lubed all the moving parts in the motor/latch I could access. Worked great for about 2 weeks and then started again.
This time I had to tear the hatch apart from the inside as I could not get it to open at all. When I remove the Latch/Motor assembly from the hatch it works fine, but when I re-install it - no dice. If I back off the bolts just a bit so that it's installed but still loose it will actuate and "open" but as soon as the bolts are torqued down - it stops unlatching.
I've read just about every post related to the hatch - and the only conclusion I can come to is that the motor is worn out and not strong enough to actuate when installed. I can get a new Latch/Motor assembly for about $200 - but before I try that I was looking for either corroboration for my diagnosis or suggestions of other ideas before I blow $200.
Thanks in advance for the help!!
About a month ago my rear hatch stopped unlatching when I pressed the release button and hauled up on it. I could still hear the motor working and the hatch would release a little but not completely unlatch so that I could open it. Eventually it worked and I was able to get it opened. I took the rear panel off and checked all the connections for corrosion etc. and lubed all the moving parts in the motor/latch I could access. Worked great for about 2 weeks and then started again.
This time I had to tear the hatch apart from the inside as I could not get it to open at all. When I remove the Latch/Motor assembly from the hatch it works fine, but when I re-install it - no dice. If I back off the bolts just a bit so that it's installed but still loose it will actuate and "open" but as soon as the bolts are torqued down - it stops unlatching.
I've read just about every post related to the hatch - and the only conclusion I can come to is that the motor is worn out and not strong enough to actuate when installed. I can get a new Latch/Motor assembly for about $200 - but before I try that I was looking for either corroboration for my diagnosis or suggestions of other ideas before I blow $200.
Thanks in advance for the help!!
