Rear hatch won’t latch (1 Viewer)

[sawtooth4x4]

I can’t seem to get the rear hatch to latch. I bought a new upper tailgate latch thinking that was the issue. But it still will not close. I adjusted all the strikers. No joy.

what am I missing here?

thanks

 

[Malleus]

Hard to say, but you should be able to see what's going or (or not) with the panels off and a small mirror or fiber optic camera.

 

[secretasiansam]

I had this same problem. My top hatch didn't latch for two years. I just fixed it this summer . I also tried a new latch with no success.
Here's what I think happens: there's a little plastic piece coating the latch. It breaks cause it's 20+ years old. Or you you manually moved the latch to closed so you could keep the back open with out the lights coming on and draining the baytery, but still tried to slam the top shut. Then the top hatch won't latch properly. Then you slam it several times thinking it just needed more force. The repeated slamming bends the thin sheet metal the latch is secured to. Now the allignment of latch and striker is out of spec.
The fix for me was small washers, 1/16"-1/8" under the top latch. It's tricky to get them in place. Also make sure the lower tailgate is shut tight.

 

[sawtooth4x4]

Dude! Awesome advice.

Just stuck one thickness washer under the upper latch catch and two under the loop on the lower tailgate. Works perfect again.

Thank you!

I had this same problem. My top hatch didn't latch for two years. I just fixed it this summer . I also tried a new latch with no success.
Here's what I think happens: there's a little plastic piece coating the latch. It breaks cause it's 20+ years old. Or you you manually moved the latch to closed so you could keep the back open with out the lights coming on and draining the baytery, but still tried to slam the top shut. Then the top hatch won't latch properly. Then you slam it several times thinking it just needed more force. The repeated slamming bends the thin sheet metal the latch is secured to. Now the allignment of latch and striker is out of spec.
The fix for me was small washers, 1/16"-1/8" under the top latch. It's tricky to get them in place. Also make sure the lower tailgate is shut tight.

 

[secretasiansam]

I didn't put any under the striker. But glad it worked for you. I spent hours staring at it and wondering why it wouldn't shut!