Need help with the hatch 2006 Coupe (wont shut)

[slowhatch]

Brought my new to me coupe home today, decided to open the hatch to peek around, apparently the car didn't like that too much as now the hatch wont shut. Does anyone know what could be the issue? The latch engages the 'safety', which prevents you from pulling it open; but it will not for the life of it, close all the way. I tried slamming it, i tried dropping it gracefully, etc to no avail. There's a nice half inch gap all around the hatch, i wont drive the car like this.

I remember opening the hatch at the dealer when i was inspecting the car and it did the same thing--however, of course the salesman walks over and gives it a whirl (it miraculously shuts for him). I thought it was just a fluke, guess i was wrong. Is this a common gen 3 problem, has any experienced this kind of issue (and resolved it hopefully), or am i just an idiot and am missing something?

[Nine Ball]

Fitting username. LOL

Are you certain the latch that keeps it closed didn't accidentally close before you tried to shut it? Use the key, make sure the latch is in the open position. My '06 requires a firm shut to close properly. Not really a "slam" but a hard push down.

[slowhatch]

let me go downstairs and give it a try...

[slowhatch]

No dice. It latches when it closes but i can still pull the hatch up and down an inch. Its not all the way closed, as evidenced by the interior lights remaining on--its as if the latch was a two position latch and its only grabbing the first stage.


Closed, but not really closed.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/IMAG0176_zps367bc14b.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/IMAG0176_zps367bc14b.jpg.html)

This is me pushing down on the hatch with my hand to bring it to where it should close.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/IMAG0177_zps58bac2fe.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/IMAG0177_zps58bac2fe.jpg.html)

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/IMAG0181_zps22fc0481.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/IMAG0181_zps22fc0481.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/IMAG0179_zps4aae09f0.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/IMAG0179_zps4aae09f0.jpg.html)
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/IMAG0183_zps63c65c9a.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/IMAG0183_zps63c65c9a.jpg.html)

Also, when i used the remote to open the hatch i hear the actuator whirring but the hatch doesnt open unless i pull as i click the button. I tried putting the key in, turning to the unlock position and pushing the hatch down all the way flush and then moving the key to the locked position. That didnt work, the hatch just returned to that in between state.

[cobraken]

On my '06 I don't have any problem closing it but have to hold the "open" on and lift at the same time to open it.

[slitherv10]

In the last picture showing the U joint that the latch catches on, looks to be worn on the right side. Is the latch and that U joint lined up with each other. Is that U joint loose from the bolts and allows play? Has the trunck been replaced or the latches replaced for any reason? Check those things and see if you can find something that is loose or does not align (latch with U joint) In the end it could also be a bad latch as well.

[ACRucrazy]

I found your problem.

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s99/ACRucrazy/000%20Misc%20Viper/IMAG0179_zps5b5e32b3.jpg

[FLATOUT]

Lol try adjusting the striker up a tad. Those 2 10mm bolts can be easily loosened, slide the striker up slightly, tighten the fasteners down and try again.

Should be a really easy fix. This is also an easy way to adjust the rear gap, just move that striker around until it latches and things are lined up.

[slowhatch]

I found your problem.

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s99/ACRucrazy/000%20Misc%20Viper/IMAG0179_zps5b5e32b3.jpg

LOL, i literally almost made the same jpeg when i posted the pics initially. I was like theres my real problem.

I got it fixed. After taking the assembly needlessly apart and scratching my head i realized the problem was the striker as andy suggested. I moved it up and over a little bit and all is well. Couldn't resist pulling the car out in the middle of the night--to celebrate my first "mod", went over to a buddies house, scared the shit out of him on the feeder a few times, and came home. All is well :)

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff78/alexkorovin01/GOPR0074_zps54119d9f.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/alexkorovin01/media/GOPR0074_zps54119d9f.jpg.html)