I just recently installed one of top-down solutions rear hatch pull down motor rebuild kits on my 89 rs, followed all directions and everything worked perfectly before I shut the hatch then when I did shut the hatch the motor pulled it down then strained a little then stopped without flipping the reverse switch inside, when I press the hatch release button nothing happens it doesnt even sound like its trying to unlatch, and I almost broke the key off in the lock trying to do it manually, I think i may have just permanetly sealed the back of my maro, does anybody have any ideas on how to get it back open? what makes it even harder is I have a box with two twelves in the "trunk" space back there so I cant even try to access the trim panels.... If anybody has any ideas,short of hacking off the rear end,on how I might get it open It would be greatly appreciated...

 

I would say it sounds like a power problem in the wiring since you hear no sound like it is trying to release. I would suggest trying to jump power direct to the wiring at the motor...but that doesn't explain the key problem.

 

Did you try to push down or maybe have some one sit on the hatch above the lock and try the key.

 

I havent had anyone sit on it, but I grabbed it with one hand and pushed down and pulled up on it while turning the key with pliers, but with no luck, I was hoping maybe I could splice into the wiring harness somewhere along the body and maybe try to jump 12 volts to the motor to see if I could get it to move any further maybe while having someone sit on the hatch.... its worth a shot I guess, time to pull out the wiring diagrams...

 

How many turns did you install the gear nut with??? The problem may be its is not making contact with the switch. Did you install the new guides ?? Installed mine with no problems.

 

installed the gear with seven turns and the new guides had no play and did not bind at all ahlie running without the hatch, I bolted the assembly in the original position, but Im thinking that was too low for the motor to pull the hatch down, which made the lever not flip the reverse switch.....

 

The gear nut requires 8.5 turns to make contact with the switch. With the motor disconnected from the power source take it apart and try again. The important note in the instructions is connect the power and you should hear the motor go down and hit the switch. Do not close the hatch until you hear this function. About the only info I can give you. Good luck, and it can work.

 

everything worked fine until I shut the hatch, the lever hit the reversing switch and there were no apparent problems, my problem now is being able to get anywhere near to getting my hands on the motor again, maybe a big prybar will do the trick and Ill just replace everything I break.....