Hatch Latch Snafu

[bretamo]

I got my 92 GT back from the shop today after a complete repainting and find that the latch for the rear hatch will actuate upon two events:

1) When the headlights turn on.
2) When the automatic door locks are actuated.

So it sounds like the autobody shop did not hook-up all the electronics correctly from the hatch on back.

The autobody shop completely remove my hatch to paint it, and the regular GT spoiler was removed and Cobra Spoiler replaced it. All the tail lights were re-installed.

Again - the hatch unlocks when I turn on the head lights or I use the automatic door locks.

I figure you detectives out there already know the solution. I would like to hear your thoughts before I dive into this weekend.

Thanks in advance.

 

[cjones]

does it do it with you parking lights or just headlights??

do you parking lights flash with you door locks??

 

[bretamo]

Yes, the parking lights trigger the hatch latch.

The parking lights do flash when I trigger the automatic door locks from remote.

What are your thoughts?

 

[Distortion 5.0]

Hehe. This happened to me when I converted my 87 4-cyl to 93 wiring.
My solution was to cut the wire leading to the hatch release
(but my hatch doesn't really 'lock' anyway. It can open when ever it wants)

 

[cjones]

one more question (for now). does it release when you hit the release button??

my thoughts are...perhaps the released didn't work so they connected/tapped/crossed it to your tail lights some how.

remove the fuse(i believe fuse 4 15Amp) for the tail lights and see if your truck still releases.

 

[bretamo]

Nope - the hatch release button in the glove compartment fails to actuate the hatch latch.

I am hoping that the autobody shop just mixed up how they reconnected things in the hatch when they put it back on the car after the third brake light was re-installed.

What do you think the problem is?

 

[cjones]

the wires going to the release in the trunk are:

P/Y (power) and BK(ground) make sure those are connected to the mechanism.

if it is, try to follow the P/Y wire to any splices(there should be none) i goes through 3 diff connectors. C401, C405, C203
C203 - Behind LH Cowl Panel
C401 - Rear LH Corner of Hatchback
C405 - LH Side of Cargo Area, Above Rear of Wheelwell


also check for power at the truck release button. and fuse # 6 20Amp. to make sure it will work after fixing their problem

 

[bretamo]

Ironically, my windshield wiper motor stopped in mid motion last night after using it in the rain for about an hour. I assume the wiper motor is also right next to where you say the "C203-Behind LH Cowl Panel" is located.

In regards to C401, is it located on the hatch door itself?

Looks like I have to take care of the wiper motor first (after I check fuses), then I'll break open everything in the hatch this weekend.

Thanks again for the leads.

 

[PJB]

Nope - the hatch release button in the glove compartment fails to actuate the hatch latch.

Did you try it with the ignition key in the on position?
The hatch release only works with the key on.

 

[93 LX]

check to make sure the grounds are actually grounded? Paint may be under the grounds thus grounding through anything that has the hint of a ground. i.e hatch latch.

 

[cjones]

the wiper motor is in the engine compartment on the firewall above the brake booster. the internal governer for the wipers is Behind LH Side of I/P, LH Side of Steering column brace.

i don't know exactly where C401 is, but how it's discribed, i would say it is on the hatch door.

 

[bretamo]

Did you try it with the ignition key in the on position?
The hatch release only works with the key on.

Yes, I tried the trunk hatch release button with the ignition key in the on position - and it did not work.