Tailgate Lock problem

[Alan Harrison]

Hi

My son's 944S2 has a problem with the tailgate lock. After opening the tailgate the lock won't re-engage.

I had a look at the mechanism. The electric motor is working and opens the tailgate when locked. But once open the tailgate doesn't latch when closed as the mechanism doesn't return to the locked position. It is easy to push to the locked position and then the tailgate engages when closed. When the motor operates it pulls the cable to open the lock but then the cable inner bends rather than sliding back up itsouter and so the mechanism isn't pushed into the ready to lock position.

What a convoluted explanation! [8|]

Have any of you folk experienced the same problem?

Is it fixable or do I need a new cable(outer and inner) or can i just get a new inner? Where can I obtain parts?

Any advice would be very welcome.

alan

 

[Diver944]

ORIGINAL: Alan Harrison

What a convoluted explanation!

I think I understood it []

The latch has an internal spring which closes the two jaws shut, the cable does not push it shut, it is merely pulled when the spring does it's 'springing'. This all gets gunged up (especially during winter) and needs cleaning out, or the spring can't do it's stuff. There are actually two drains that direct water through this latch which ultimatley washes out all the lube and does not help [8|].

What you need to do is disconnect the bar that attaches to each latch and then undo the two nuts that hold the latch to the inside of the boot. Remove one latch at a time and then give the internals a damned good clean with WD40. Once it is opening and closing smoothly then spray some grease in there (the WD40 will just evaporate) to keep it well lubed. Attach it loosely to the car and close the boot so that it locates centrally around the latch pins that are on the glass hatch. Then do up the nuts so it is held in place (but don't tighten those nuts too much as that will also cause the jaws to stick open). Operate the key in the lock and you should see the jaws opening and closing []

Now do the other one.

Keep them greased every few months.

 

[Alan Harrison]

Paul

Thanks - that is a much clearer explanation of solution than I achieved of problem definition. I will have a go this weekend and update you on progress!

alan