I just got the car back from the tint shop, and while they were tinting the rear window I think they f-ed something up. My key is no longer able to open the rear hatch. When I put the key in, it turns, but that's it, the hatch won't unlock. I tried using the power release in the front of the car, and it works, but the key won't!I checked the fuse, and the wires, they seem fine.. Any ideas??

 

funny...can't open mine with the the handle...and my key barely opens it...

 

They broke it, they can fix it!

 

They might have knocked the cable out of place...there a little area where it hooks on and it keeps it tensioned by the lock. Of you can just try to adjust the screw until you can open it with the key. Good luck man.

 

You have the electric hatch release. When you turn the key it's supposed to trigger the hatch release motor. There's a microswitch on the lock cylinder, make sure the wires are connected.

 

On mine, the electric release is independent of the key - the key physically pulls two rods inward that are connected to the latches, while the electric does it with a cable. Look at the rods - are they both connected to the key mechanism? Do they both move when you turn the key?

 

Porsche changed the key release mechanism in 1989. The '89 and later cars don't have the mechanical linkage.

 

Mine was like that too. My key was worn to nearly nothing. I ended up getting a new key cut by Porsche using my VIN number, and cleaned the lock cylender with some contact cleaner, it works like a charm now. I just need to get some graphite lock lube.

It took a few attempts with the contact cleaner to get all the grime and crap out of the keyhole. I'd spray, insert the key and wiggle it, remove key, spray, etc.... After a few attempts I was finally able to open my hatch for the first time in 4 months

 

The cables are connected, and the mechanism makes contact with the microswitch when I turn the key. But, I did take a look at the cable, and it seemed a little loose. Is that the same cable used to open the doors via the electric release in the front?

Oh, and btw- the shop claims they didn't do it, bull****ters..

 

This is why you dont go to the el cheapo tint shops

 

Well, the tintshop actually was pretty expensive, but I got what I paid for (the tint )

bump

 

I'm having the same problem. Noticed it when I bought the thing 2 years ago and still haven't figured it out. The plastic cam makes contact with the switch, but nothing happens....I suspect electrical issue is to blame. And I am but a mechanical engineer - I hate dealing with the electrical stuff.

 

Mine works when it wants to. Everything is connected and tight. I have power to the switch. The key trips the microswitch and still only works sporadically.

 

damn 89's...

 

Actually, it was earlier- mine is an '88 & it has electric release- I've argued w/I don't know HOW many people- I argued w/my mechanic until he tried to prove it to me & screwed up & locked himself out of the car w/it... At least I know SOMETHING about these damn cars... Wish I had a full manual one, actually.... but, that's about the least of my probs right now....