96 Saturn SW2 Liftgate latch makes 3-4 second loud noise/vib

leftbase119 · 12-28-2003, 05:25 AM

96 Saturn SW2 Liftgate latch makes 3-4 second loud noise/vibration
whenever the
unlocking mechanism activates. It is consistent with the driver side
liftgate release or either keyless remotes. The noise also occurs
when the liftgate is already in the open position and and locked with
either the driver side cable or keyless remotes. The liftgate functions
properly although the noise is worrisome as I think something is loose
or wearing?

*** Two interesting side notes:

1) is that the noise only last ~ 1 second if I
**very quickly** raise and release the driver side cable release.
2) When unlocking from the physical key placed in the liftgate it
releases with a quiet click and lifts as it should (as it did when
newly purchased).

I have looked to see a possible disassembly approach to the vinyl
interior paneling to actually view the rattling piece but with no
success.

No real help with TSB's or even good diagrams for gaining access to
the liftgate latch/lock area. Nothing either in my haynes Saturn manual.
Have considered buying the chilton's for it but have not yet done so.

Any thoughts on diagnosis or how to access area???
TIA, Jeff

Robert-sl2 · 12-28-2003, 08:36 AM

Welcome to the Spot!

This sounds like the latch on my 97 sl2. Where the Solenoid attaches to the trunk lid, the housing is cracked. Whenever the solenoid fires, the whole thing shifts upward, and when the power cuts out, it drops back down into place, hence the long click or 2 clicks. If you open the liftgate and use ther remote to 'pop' it agian, you might be able to hear 'pop-hiss (while it holds for a sec) then pop again (dropping back into place) When you use the key, you are turning the lock cylinder and a connecting rod which does not move the solenoid, which is why you dont get the noise. The liftgate panel should remove like any other panel, probably a few hidden screws someplace then some plastic pop clips on the back, although I am sure someone else can give you more specifics on that. Removing the solenoid is easy. A matter of one wire, one bolt, and a connecting rod which just snaps into place. It could even just be that the bolt is loose and needs to be tightened.

leftbase119 · 12-28-2003, 10:08 PM

Robert,

Thanks for the info! I was able to remove the interior panel with only one trim plug exploding... Your diagnosis was correct! The solenoid was removed and explored. Actually, two of the gears had teeth ground off.

Autozone had no replacment. Any suggestions about replacing this. I doubt the internal gears would be sold individually. Are there 3rd party re-manufactured ones, salvage yards or best to contact the dealer for OEM parts?

Thanks again for your help.
This is an excellent site! Thank you to all who make it possible!
Jeff

**Ssicarman** · 12-28-2003, 10:49 PM

Get ahold of 6th planet used parts. They are a sponsor here and Joey owns it is on the board on a regular basis. The fastets way though is to e-mail them with the info on the car and the parts needed.

leftbase119 · 12-30-2003, 12:06 AM

Have received a very prompt, friendly reply from
6th planet used parts to my inquiry about price and parts.
Just sent the necessary funds to Joey.

Thanks to all who have helped with this issue and who support the this technical help board and this Saturn spot site!

Jeff

If we have the right to complain, we have the responsibility to commend!

leftbase119 · 01-07-2004, 10:48 PM

Wanted to take just a moment and thank the many people who helped me with this project. I just completed the repair and reinstalling the trim pieces. All is well and secure

The part that 6th avenue sent was great. Clean and well packed. And very, very reasonable in price. I plan on doing much, much more business with them.

I know I have much to learn from this group and only hope that I can at some far distant point be able to help other newbie repair people as I am presently.

Keep up this great forum!

Jeff

If we have the right to complain we have the responsibility to commend