The following is a response I typed to someone else who had the same problem where the latch never locked to hold the boot (hatch) down.


yes, same thing happened to me the 2nd time Sunday. if your like
myself and hate service departments you get the bug to take it all
apart to see what's the cause. I removed the small plastic cover that
runs across the lower bottom of the latch plate. I had determined it
was not the switch it's self inthe tailgate because when It's pressed
you could hear faintly the selonoid down below trying to unlatch. At
that point I know it must be a simple mechanical glitch.

So, after I removed the lower panel (there are three fasteners that
you pull out then remove the pins then it pops off) the electric latch is
exposed. There is a small plastic cam that allows the relese of the
catch hook that locks the door in place. There is a groove that this
cam oscilates back and forth in. By working it manually a few times
with a small tool (I used a 1/32" hole punch) to wear off the burrs
and spraying some silicone in the area I don't think I'll have any
more troubles! Replacement of the panel is actually more simple than
the removal. If you were away from the home and this happens any
flat piece of metal can be used as a tool to pop out the three pins
to do this job. You should always keep some sort of flat head, and
phillips screwdrivers on hand anyhow. The little compartment behind
the left rear tail lamp provides a good place to store a tool bag and
first aid kit.

 

Did it, and so far so good. Strange little pins and plugs, but I fingered it out! Thanks Zappa. Ron.
:evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:

 

My boot wouldn't latch yesterday (for the first time). I clicked the remote off and on, but no fix. Then I jiggled the handle on the boot itself (I wonder what's UNDER that rubber cover . . . ), and it went ahead and latched on the next try. Called the service department today, and they said they would adjust the stops on the latch mechanism. Not sure that will work, and I won't waste the time going down there unless it keeps happening and my own "fix" doesn't work.

 

Rick,
Off the topic, but you aren't related to the Great Steve Howe of Yes are you??

 

Related?

Gordie Howe - No

Steve Howe - No

Art Howe - No