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John in Denver · 08-27-2008, 05:21 PM

Brand new member here, greetings all. Have had my 2004 Z for a few short weeks, and notice the rear hatch seems very heavy. Has a spoiler on it (which I assume is factory installed) and I THINK I hear what sounds like water sloshing around when it's opened or closed. Anyone have a similar experience and if so a solution?

Shylynn · 08-27-2008, 05:33 PM

it seems to be a common problem where it takes more than 1 "pop" to pop the hatch, i read somewhere that you can fix this problem by inserting some pennies under the spring that pops the hatch. if you do a search you should be able to find the post. as far as the sound of water thats new to me. you might want to take the spoiler off an replace the seal so no water gets in where the screw holes are, that is unless you have the lip spoiler which i believe is installed only with 3m tape.

**DemitriHKS** · 08-27-2008, 09:40 PM

Shylynn is totally right. Here's the how to.

Rear Hatch Opening Fix HOW-TO

this is a common issue on the hatch. I have an aftermarket spoiler and in the winter the hatch will fall down on me usually. It takes once to the head to remember it all winter long lol.

Subdriver · 08-28-2008, 11:02 AM

Yes, pennies help to pop the hatch open but not for keeping it up. What you can also do is take out the weight in the hatch. If you remove the plastic cover you will see a weight, held by two screws. Take it off, no problems. It helps popping the hatch open and helps keeping the hatch up.

John in Denver · 08-28-2008, 11:02 AM

OK, thanks for the input and while the hatch release works fine, good to know the fix if and when it doesn't. I suspect my problem is water leaked into/under the spoiler and has no way to leak out. Hate to put holes in a car on purpose, but may try to "vent" it from the back/lower side somehow.

Subdriver · 08-28-2008, 11:06 AM

As for water, check your (window)rubbers. Never heard of water in the hatch before.

toby22 · 08-28-2008, 11:11 AM

I have the same exact problem, i have to unlock the hatch "pop it" twice before I can actually open it.

**ncarter124** · 08-28-2008, 11:28 AM

I'll bet it's an aftermarket spoiler, and they didn't remove the weight.