Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

First question: Is the rear hatch on my 944 supposed to pop up using the remote lever in the cab? i'e if it doesn't, I probably need new struts.

So, the problem is, I unlock and have to physically lift the left hand side as the catch is sticking. I can hear the motor making noises if the key is turned to anticlockwise and left there.

Sunroof pops up spontaneously just around 50mph mark. If I slow down and use the sunroof close switch, it goes back down.

Hi. I can't help with the sunroof (when you say it pops open do you mean the Motor starts up?).

The hatch is just opened by the force of the struts. The latches have metal "jaws" that open and close on the key or button. When they are open the hatch is released and it raises because of the struts. The problem is it all needs to be aligned and working properly to work. Have a look around online and you'll find a guide to aligning the latches, I didnt find it as easy as the guide suggested but mine are better than before (I think the hatch itself needs re-aligning).

New struts will help because over the years the old ones (if they are original) will have lost pressure. BUT be aware that new struts can cause the hatch glass to come away from the frame. The problem is that, from what I understand, the glass is only held in by the seal which has become less effective with age. The new struts will have so much force that they can bend the frame away from the glass. That said, my hatch glass looked like it had been re-sealed so I have new struts and so far it is working (although it still doesn't open every time).

Hope that helps.

Makes sense the catches are out of alignment. I'll have a fish around and try and correct it before replacing the struts. I think the rear glass is de-laminating so do I wait and get replacement glass for it and then get new struts... hmmm.
I've noticed that 2nd hand rear screens are available reasonably inexpensively and I have a mate who fits windscreens etc.

Thanks for the heads up re. struts.

Cheers Loz.

Hi Rob. If the glass is delaminating it definitely makes sense to get that sorted before getting new struts.

When you say replace the glass, do you men just the glass or the hatch including frame? If the whole hatch I suppose the problem could be that the replacement is also delaminating or about to start. If you have a friend that is good with glass it could be worth trying to fix the hatch you have.

If you did mean replace the glass only, is there any need, is it damaged?

you don't want to buy a new hatch...... Non Bridge...... £4624.61 inc vat, Bridge £4665.55 Inc Vat

thats brand new from Porsche

Blimey they sound a bit on the pricey side..................................................

Oh only the glass needs replacing but it's not urgent - yes, it's going cloudy around the edges.
First I got to do the 'screw massacre' (as described in the video) and use the repair kit to sort the LCD clock, replace instrument cluster illumination bulbs (501's apparently) with LED's, replace heater panel facia...

You cannot by the glass separate

The bond has to be cut and that’s a real hard thing without busting the glass, then the frame has to be cleaned and coated with ali primer on the glass needs cleaning off and bonding promoter

It’s a real long job and not many have done it successfully

I see. I don't think that is a job I would attempt myself.

It's not that bad come to think of it

Back to the catches (after some investigation). If you turn the key a quarter turn anti-clockwise, the jaws are opening, shutting, opening, shutting. Seems to be a similar problem to my central locking. Does the latch deploy a micro switch in the same manner?

Oh @Waylander: Have you got a link to that screw cover for £14 odd please?