What makes the hatch latch stay open when you open it?

[J Tinsby]

My '99 NB with 63k miles gives me a fit when I try to release the hatch either from the key remote or the door button.

If I am inside the car and use the button on the door, the motor for the hatch runs, and it tries to open, but by the time I get back there it's latched on the safety catch again! Grrr.

I have to take the key out of the ignition, go back to the hatch and use the remote release and then quickly grab the hatch while it's being pushed up. Of course it opens fine using the manual latch under the emblem.

What makes the hatch stay off the safety catch so I don't have to go through all this ?

I notice that the little circular rubber 'snubbers' on the edge of the hatch are all flattened out. Are these what make the hatch pop up enough so you can open it?

Thanks,

J T

[noR]

They help; but there's also a small adjustment bolt in the hinge assembly. That provides some 'pre-tensioning' to the gas struts.

[D2Beetle]

My '98 does the same thing. I believe it is the gas struts to; I just ignore it.

[lkchris]

Reposition the rubber bumpers.