2000 SW rear lid will not latch
 

I have s weet little 2000 SW that is near prfect. The only problem is that the rear lid will not latch closed.

If I place a screw driver in the latch. I can pull the drive down and out with no resistance.

My open door light does come on so something is being sensed.

Any thoughts, anyone?

Is the latch open when you try to close the door? If the (any) latch is closed prior to closing a door. The door will not latch and lock.

+1 work the latch to get the tab back out of the way

Saturn rear door
 

Sorry for the confusion. If you look at the latch it is in the right position. If I take a screwdriver and pass it up through the latch the screw driver will pass into the locking position.

However, if I pull the screwdriver down, as if I were opening the hatch the latch freely gives way.

So if I clsoe the hatch it appears to be closed, but I can open it just by lifting it.

The latching mechanism does not appear to lock.

Also the dash light fro the hatch stays on.

Any thoughts?

Replace the latch ......... after you make sure its making contact with the striker properly

SW -- From his detailed description of his latch tests - I gotta agree that the latch mechanism is FUBAR. He needs to haunt the local u-pull-it yards for a replacement latch. The dash light is usualy driven by an electrical switch, much like the switch on the door jamb up by the driver. Adjustment of the new(replacement) latch should allow him to make the light go out.

ask hoseppi if he has a latch in his personal Saturn graveyard