Crumpler

Come on Alan, you have to admit that was slightly cruel but funny. Yes, I'm a bad person --See post number nine.

Landseer

Yes, that feature wasn't added until 1984, see the service info tech book for 1984 where the hatch release is discussed as being new for that year.

Alan

I actually do have that... (almost - press & hold) but I may be the only one...

Alan

Alan

And I actually have it in two flavors (both press & hold) - pretty certain I'm the the only one with both!

Alan

notaguru

Here's what's present on this car - built 4/83. It seems far too complex for a simple key-operated hatchlatch.

Alan

Looks like a regular hatch receiver - however you could get a used remote one as a replacement (928 Intn'l)

The Deputy

Not sure if you are assuming the mechanism to the left of the hatch assembly has something to do with releasing of the hatch...because it doesn't...that is your rear wiper mechanism.

The electical mechanism that releases the hatch is mounted below the lower latch. You have to remove your back/tool panel to access it. If there is a mechanism, which there probably isn't, it will be a little electric motor with an pivot arm that moves a plunger.

Also, you should look into installing a new lower latch insert/guide. Yours is missing...and without it...your upper latch housing will eventually crack. Plus, your hatch will close much better. The vendors here sell a replacement insert.

For what it is worth, the rear latch release is over-rated...I rarely if ever use it.

Brian.

Alan

Agree you need an insert - Disagree about the hatch - my car is a daily driver - I use the electric hatch release every week - both from the pull switches and from the remote fob, and have done routinely for over 10 years... And - the VW release 'motor' unit is just better in every way - more reliable quicker, quieter - more Porsche B-team work...

Alan

The Deputy

If I had a key fob...I'd probably use that just to save on wear and tear of the key mechanism.

But since I don't...I use the key.

Example why...

Carrying two 40 pound bags of water softener salt to the car.

A) Do I set the bags down and let them fall flat on the ground as I walk around the car to unlock the door and then open the door and then bend down to pull the **** and then listen to the noisy electric motor, then walk back around the car, lift the hatch, bend over and pick up the 40 pound bags from ground level and lift them into the back.

Or

B) Stop at the back of the car, release the bags from my fingers and rest them against my legs so they do not fall over, open the hatch with my key and lift hatch open, insert fingers again into handles of plastic bags, which are easier to grasp because the are not laying on the ground, and lift them into the back of car.

Now, if I were sitting in the car and my wife was doing all of the heavy lifting...I might use the release ****.

Brian.

notaguru

I'll be grateful for help in finding that missing item.

The bottom latch assembly is just a heavy spring intended to cushion closing, with two wires that are too light to handle a solenoid but just right for a switched HATCH OPEN warning light.

Because we have a specific need to remotely open the hatch, it makes sense to find an assembly from a later car and wire it as needed. One question: in '84 cars, is the remote controlled by a wire cable or by a local solenoid?

The Deputy

There is an electric motor with a pivot arm that rotates a plunger and it is mounted behind the black vertical piece of metal in your picture. On my 84 the mounting holes are slotted, so you can adjust the release motor assembly. I will try and take some pictures tonight when I get home.

Brian.

Alan

As I said before - it might seem attractive to look for an opener from a later model 928 - however that would actually be a big mistake - it will be expensive AND extremely crappy. Just get the VW version (used on eBay) that is cheap, quick, quiet and reliable... You do need a Porsche lower remote release hatch receiver (used 928 Itn'l) and likely a new plastic insert (9828sRUS). You need to do a little adaptation but nothing terribly onerous.

Alan

Alan

- But that is what the SUV is for... ?

Alan

The Deputy

Actually had four bags back there...and car rode and handled them nicely.

When l typed my other post earlier...I thought you'd come back with..."well, don't you use the inside release **** when you get home to unload".

Whereas, I'd of explained how I usually forget about the stuff in the hatch until I'm already unlocking the backdoor...then it's back to the car in the garage and out comes the key...again...lol.

Notaguru,

I bought my insert from 928rus.

Brian.

James Bailey

Actually without the insert in place you can open your rear hatch by simply lifting up !!!! It will pop open