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944 S2 hatch being a pain in the bottom.
https://forums.tipec.net/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=16341		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Falken [ Mon Oct 21, 2013 5:29 pm ]
Post subject:  944 S2 hatch being a pain in the bottom.
Hello!

Been doing some work on my 944 S2, and one of the things that has really eluded me so far is the hatch opening. The overcomplicated electronic mechanism fails to release the catches properly. The motor on the right (if at the rear of the car) just spins away.

Normally it wouldn't be overly important for this to work as I never have anything in the boot. Too much added weight. :shock: But, of course, the S2's battery sits behind the N/S wheel well and if I ever need a jump start I don't want to be prising the thing open from the inside with a screwdriver.

One of the things I did notice is that thanks to the rather less than stellar spray job the car had received by a previous owner the hatch seals have paint on them. Definitely wanting to replace those. Could this be the source of my woes? I've also heard that there are improved designs available for the hatch latch seals.

Also, is it possible to take the mechanical system from an earlier 944 and put it in? I've got a 1986 85.5 944 that has the mechanical mech and could chuck that in if it's doable.
Author:  kongsodoken [ Mon Oct 21, 2013 7:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 944 S2 hatch being a pain in the bottom.
So the motor just spins?...does it always stop in the same place ...if it does not make sure the switch in the drivers foot well is connected. (also worth checking the micro switch on the lock however I don't think this effects the position.)

If stops in the same place every time and the latch pawls move then it's just adjustment of the link rods, unclip from the back of the latch and adjust the length so you get max opening.

Also check the pins if worn replace, and adjust as per Clarkes garage, I would guess to get the tailgate to open fully "automatically" new struts would be needed, however I prefer used ones as they put less load on the glass/frame

The 968 latch seals fit if you cut 10mm of the tabs at the back they are IMHO better than the 944 ones, although the very early ones with the round hole seem even better but I believe are NLA...£32 each from OPC,

I would imagine you early system would fit (but an expert will confirm I'm sure) I think the early latches only had a single Pawl instead of 2.

:D
Author:  Rhett [ Mon Oct 21, 2013 8:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 944 S2 hatch being a pain in the bottom.
Hi, I wouldn't describe the hatch opening mechanism as 'overly complicated' as it does tend to be a bit basic really. But, that said, it does suffer from wear and tear quite badly. The motor rotates a cam that has a wire loop on it. This simply provides mechanical assistance to the pawl opening mechanism, so at that point it is very similar to the purely mechanical early version. If the motor operates it could be that the wire loop needs some adjustment as the wire has stretched. However, do not be too enthusiastic here as if you adjust this too tightly the motor will jam, or simply snap the cable. As mentioned above, the rods might need adjustment to open the pawls fully, or the pawl mechanisms might be simply gummed up with muck, rust and general gunge. Taking them out and giving them a really good clean and re-lube with grease can work wonders. Inspect the hatch pins too, as wear there can cause them to stick, or if they have been adjusted incorrectly and are too tight in the pawls.

Remember that the hatch mechanism was never really designed to fully open the hatch, simply release the lock (pop the hatch open), even a new set of struts generally fail to open the hatch fully straight after it has been opened.

Spending some time servicing all the component parts and replacing the worn ones will (hopefully) get you back an operating hatch release.. 8). Pawl adjustment can take time, as it is not easy to line everything up quickly, but patience here will pay dividends!

Best of luck!
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