I have been working my way through my newly acquired 928 S4 and fixing all the little things that the PO let slip. One of the last issues is my real latch auto release. I was able to get all of my interior lights working correctly which I understand is a prerequisite for this function to operate properly properly but still no dice. I had my son pull the release **** while I watched the motor with the hatch open. The motor does make noise but the is no movement on the linkage either up or down. Could there be a bad gear internally and if so can it be rebuilt? Not looking to spend $300 to replace if I can help it.

 

Is the linkage connected?
If the motor is making noise, is it turning?

 

Factory motor is closer to $150.

If it makes noise when the lever is pulled it likely has a stripped gear.

I can't stand that motor so I replaced mine with parts from a VW golf for around $20 and it works way better.

 

It is not turning

 

You can take the motor out and see what is not working. Like Colin said it could be a stripped gear.

 

hmm... My motor, gear box and release lever all move, but fail to release the hatch. Yes, I've tried position adjustments when installing the receiver to the body below the hatch. Also tried rebuilding the portion attached to the hatch with a new nylon tongue. Verified that the receiver parts were not terribly worn down. No dice. This goes back several years and have learned to accept that this was the Rube-Goldberg prize winner of the 928 design. Definitely don't spend $300.

 

Check the male portion of the latch for cracks.

Were the adjustments that you tried done by moving the motor up and down in the slotted holes? Adjust until the motor labors as it goes over center, then back off just enough to let it move with little labor.

Try shimming the moving tongue down in the receptacle with a piece of plastic from an oil bottle.

 

The vertical position of the motor in the receiver bracket is adjustable too and it affects the cam arm movement. Did you fiddle with that?

 

Colin did a thread several days ago on this Forum about the $20 VW actuator he used to replace the subject motor. Do a search and look through that thread. That's him above named Lizard928.

 

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...h-release.html

Requires some simple adaptation according to Colin, although I haven't tried it.

 

Thanks. This looks like a better option than the factory replacement motor.

 

Not sure, Bill. It's been a while since I was into it. I'll fiddle with that a bit once the late spring project is finished.