14 replies to this topic

[Alter Ego]

Hello all.

I recently visited Jon Paterek up in Northern NJ to have him evaluate my paint issues. While there, he mentioned to me that it really is a PITA to redo the hatch seal. He vowed never to do it again for anyone!

Anyway, he recommended that all 968 owners should only open their rear hatch manually from the rear of the vehicle by placing the key into the rear hatch lock in the bumper. He said that using the remote button from the drivers seat can cause more problems. By this he meant that you will notice a loud thunk once the hatch reaches the top of its travel once its opened, and thus there is FLEXING of the hatch at the top. This flexing can further worsen the condition of the seal down the road.

Just an FYI to y'all out there!

[sasilverbullet]

I agree 100%! I just use my remote, double-click and it opens when I'm back there to let it ease up slowly...

[orphanowner]

I agree 100%! I just use my remote, double-click and it opens when I'm back there to let it ease up slowly...

I agree, but I'd be a lot more worried about glass separation from the window frame. That is a much bigger PITA than replacing the hatch seal.

[bob blackwell]

Yeah, I think the seal of the glass to the top of the hatch frame is what he is referring to. I have replaced the large hatch seal myself with no problem, but so far have no need to seal the glass to the frame again (yet). Good luck, Bob Blackwell.

[Alter Ego]

Yeah, I think the seal of the glass to the top of the hatch frame is what he is referring to. I have replaced the large hatch seal myself with no problem, but so far have no need to seal the glass to the frame again (yet). Good luck, Bob Blackwell.

Yes, thanks Bob for the clarification! Sorry for the confusion guys. I was indeed referring to the seal of the glass. Although as for me, I think it is almost a little too late. Twice now, I actually saw a few dried droplets of water on the INSIDE of the glass...thats never happened in the past. But, hopefully opening manually will help prevent any worsening of the leaking for the forseeable future. I was opening the rear hatch quite a bit over the summer from the driver's remote button.....oi.

[Dominik]

It sounds like the rear hatch should go up when you press the button inside the car. My doesn't. It unlocks but sure doesn't go up by it self. Is this something I should be thinking about fixing and if so what's involved in that?

[sasilverbullet]

The latches need to be adjusted - or the actuator is kaput.

[Harvey]

To put it mildly, the 968 hatch is "fragile". Treat is thusly and the glass seal will last much longer.

Harvey

[Todd951968]

If your hatch unlocks with the button but doesn't completely open , it could be the hatch struts are weak. In this case, this is probably a good thing.

[ether_joe]

If your hatch unlocks with the button but doesn't completely open , it could be the hatch struts are weak. In this case, this is probably a good thing.

same thing pretty much happens with me. unlocks fine, but I go back to pull it up manually.

I have no problem with this. . .

[mattn]

same thing pretty much happens with me. unlocks fine, but I go back to pull it up manually.

I have no problem with this. . .

same here, and I only ever use the small black lip spoiler to lift it or close it, not the bridge spoiler

[JonNelson]

I'm another person whose 968 hatch does not open, but unlocks just fine. And, like others, I'm perfectly fine with this ... especially given the delicate nature of the hatch.

- Jon

[Scott Collins]

True Porsche Secrets Revealed!

One of the rare cases where you are better off if it doesn't work
properly.

[spectre996]

Yeah, I'm the same way too. Pop the hatch with the button and then walk to the back to pull it up! Occasionally, it will pop up after I hit the button and then close the door. I guess the force is enough for it overcame the weight of the hatch and the road dust/grime holding it down since my last wash.

[Scott Collins]

More 968 secrets revealed, aka "tribal wisdom"...

Forgot to mention - if I increase the positive air pressure inside the car by setting the
blower fan to FULL and having sunroof closed and windows up, then the back hatch will break the friction of my poorly adjusted hatch mechanism and release all the way up. I don't do this because of the impending doom that will surely develop, but know it works. Strange that the owner's manual does not mention this advanced technique.