Date:         Fri, 12 Feb 1999 21:57:47 8
Reply-To:     Wes Neuenschwander <wesn@ESKIMO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
Comments:     Authenticated sender is <wesn@mail.eskimo.com>
From:         Wes Neuenschwander <wesn@ESKIMO.COM>
Subject:      Rear Hatch Power Lock Problem
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

For the past month or so a problem has been evolving with the rear hatch
power lock on my '91 Westy:  Whenever I lock and unlock any of the side
doors using the power lock system, the back hatch unlocks and stays
unlocked, even when the side doors have re-locked successfully.  This
happens, more or less, whether the rear hatch lock cylinder is in the
horizontal position (which, per the owner's manual, should lock & unlock
with the power system, ) or vertical position (which should remain locked
regardless of the power system, per the manual).  In general, leaving the
cylinder in the vertical position ('always locked') has been the most
reliable approach, but in the last week even this has become about a 20%
proposition.  The rear lock motor seems to be working - I can hear the
motor hum and the sound of the lock mechanism clicking - but it just
doesn't reliably lock the door:  Hum, click and still, when I depress the
cylinder, up pops the hatch!

I'm perplexed.  I checked the Bentley - nice pic's and R&R sequence, but
of course, nothing on trouble shooting.  I recalled a thread here on the
subject some time ago, but with Gerry on the ropes my search attempts
have been futile.  I plan on popping the rear hatch trim panel this
weekend and poking around a bit, but I'm not sure the cause of the
problem is going to be self evident.   Any guidance, tips or work arounds
would be most appreciated.

-Wes

Wes Neuenschwander
Seattle, WA
wesn@eskimo.com