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chrizzzie · Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Posts: 32

hi,

My rear hatch does not stay closed. On the left site the catch doen't fall in the lock at all and on the right side the catch will get loosen when you pull the hatch. (quit easy for any thieves to get in to the car!) I tried to adjust the catches but this didn't helped. It seems to me that the plates in the lock does not shift enough. What can I do about this? Can this also be the reason for the moistness in the car?

Gretting from a rainy Holand, Chrizzzie
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Porsche 924, 1977

garthfan · Joined: 28 Feb 2004 Posts: 226 Location: Manchester, NH

I had a similar problem with my 924S. Some people might frown on this, but what I did was lubricated the catches with WD-40 and then used a length of pipe to bend the posts out to the side just enough to catch the locks. Not only did it fix the locking problem, but it also completely eliminated the hatch rattle that I had -an apparently common problem with these cars.

Hope this helps.

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1987 924S - Was a daily driver...now it's GONE! *sniff*
1986 944 N/A Guards Red
1996 VW Jetta Grocery-Getter
1995 Saab 900S Winter-Driving-Feeling-of-Security-Vehicle

924guy · Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 1:42 am Post subject:

the "pins" in the hatch itself are adjustable, its usually just a matter of increasing, or decreasing the length of them by turning them in or out (sometimes easier said than done.) sometimes you can also make slight adjustemnts at the catches in the body as well..no easy fix, just a matter of trial and error, making small adjustments until it sits correctly..
its also a good idea to clean and lubricate the moving parts, they can get gunked up with dirt and limit their movement...
_________________
Eric
78 924
82 931 SE "smokey"
99' VehiCross
Y2K Honda Insight
http://www.cardomain.com/id/924Guy
Performance by Pasha

chrizzzie · Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Posts: 32

CMXXXI · Joined: 05 Nov 2002 Posts: 1939 Location: Vicksburg, MS

If the pin length is OK, and you've shifted the lock "block" around trying to get it to grip better and didn't have success, then I'm going to guess it is one of two things: 1) the pins don't have a good flat "face" on them for the lock to grip, or 2) the sliding piece that actually grips the pin is all gunked up and isn't closing far enough on the pin.

I replaced the pins on my hatch because they were all corroded and I couldn't adjust their depth (just turned and turned and turned, but didn't un-screw any). While I was at it, I removed and cleaned up the locking mechanisms. It made a world of difference. The tricky part was getting everything aligned just right so the hatch locked (and held) easily while not having to really stress the key in the lock when I opened it. Lots of trial and error.

The last thing you want is to get the hatch to lock correctly, but twist the key off in the lock trying to get the hatch open. FWIW, pressing down on the hatch while turning the key makes opening the hatch easier.
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'79 Eurospec 931

Mike924 · Joined: 12 Aug 2004 Posts: 2601 Location: IoW UK

I had precisely the problem you describe, Chrizzie.

I tried adjusting the length of the pins but that didn't help. I even tried to clean up the top edge of the pins with a file where thay had worn round a bit; still no good.

Finally, I bought a pair of new pins, adjusted them and, hey presto, everything's fine. The hatch now shuts with a solid 'thunk' and it feels rock solid. Opens with a turn of the key and a bit of a wiggle.

I paid £23 (30 Euros?) for the pins from a dealer here in England.
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1985 Porsche 924 'Lux', Kalahari Beige (my ex)
1993 Porsche 968 Coupe, Midnight Blue, 6 spd

'There is no substitute for a little grease under your fingernails.' - Chrenan, 924board.org

chrizzzie · Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Posts: 32

there is one thing, The switching of the key goes quit heavy so this could also be one of the reasons
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Porsche 924, 1977

numbbers · Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 11:06 am Post subject:

If turning the key is hard, when opening the rear hatch, your rear hatch locks are probably gunked up.
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1980 924 Turbo

Mike924 · Joined: 12 Aug 2004 Posts: 2601 Location: IoW UK

numbbers is right.

It's probably a separate problem (apart form age!) with your lock mechanism, not related to the pins.

The mechanism is quite easily dismantled from the inside of the hatch. Take it apart carefully, don't lose any of the bits clean it with penetrating oil, then give it all a light coat of moly grease.
_________________
1985 Porsche 924 'Lux', Kalahari Beige (my ex)
1993 Porsche 968 Coupe, Midnight Blue, 6 spd

'There is no substitute for a little grease under your fingernails.' - Chrenan, 924board.org