My Porsche style automatic rear spoiler is only going up at low speeds, not high.

[MO-KAN SHO]

Now that I've got your attention,

It seems my trunk latch is shot. I can shut the trunk and it'll latch, but if I hit a bump right, it'll unlatch and the trunk lid (AKA: Automatic spoiler) will raise all the way up at low speed. Of course once I get going, the wind pushes it down, so it's a nuissance more than anything. The bad part is, everyone can see my latch problem and my CD Changer in open air.

I took the latch off and inspected it, and it seems that the rivets have loosened up just enough to allow the latch to pop with the right vibration. Has anyone ever come across this?

I'm planning on hitting up a salvage yard to find a replacement, but I thought I'd ask first to see if this is a common problem that is better fixed with a new part from Ford.

TIA for the input...
Ben

 

[Jr's Sho]

I think a used latch will work just fine. I swapped trunks on my 1992 and haven't had a problem like that. BTW, I have a good trunk latch and striker for cheap. E-mail me if interested.

 

[rangerj]

Why not just replace the worn rivets? rangerj

 

[BenBrausen]

Heh heh heh... The other night I was on the highway comin' home at about 3am when the hatchback on the turbo Sundance I was drivin' started slowly opening at around 80mph.... Just the downforce I need in a FWD car at those amazing speeds. I pulled off the highway quick and shut it. Problem solved.

 

[MO-KAN SHO]

I didn't know replacing the rivets was an option. I wouldn't even know how to get them out to begin with and have a limited tool selection.

I do have a replacement latch on the way, but for future reference, what would it take to do that?

 

[MO-KAN SHO]

BenBrausen:
Heh heh heh... The other night I was on the highway comin' home at about 3am when the hatchback on the turbo Sundance I was drivin' started slowly opening at around 80mph.... Just the downforce I need in a FWD car at those amazing speeds. I pulled off the highway quick and shut it. Problem solved.

You know what's even worse than that, I had an '86 ****** back in HS that I had an experience in. The driver's side window came off the track and would slip down while driving.

Might not be a major problem, but when you got 30 miles to go, and it's -60 outside, It sucks like ****. (I was just outside Fairbanks Alaska for most of HS, thus the extreme temp.)


Edit: I just realized this is my 100th post!!!! Woo-Hoo!!!! Drinks on me...
beer beer beer beer beer beer

<small>[ September 02, 2003, 08:16 PM: Message edited by: MO-KAN SHO ]</small>

 

[billyshoe]

Originally posted by MO-KAN SHO:i have that problem on a 91' and found a simple ajustment cured the problem. my trunk seemed to not close securely, and opened at any time moving or parked.

 

[sdpatt]

Ford trunk latches have a plastic covering on the striker that breaks off and allows the trunk to open without the key. Got plastic?

 

[MO-KAN SHO]

The rivets have loosened on the latch preventing the internals from lining up, thus preventing the latch from staying latched.

I've got a new latch coming, thanks to Jr's Sho, I'll get that installed and if I still have problems, I'll check into that plastic, but I'm certain the new latch will take care of it.

Thanks for the input, though... It's greatly appreciated. thumb

 

[nickedsho]

My dad's first car was a vw beatle and the seat would recline at any given moment. I can't even imagine driving something like that.

 

[MO-KAN SHO]

Got my latch installed and adjusted correctly, and it's working like a charm. No more speed sensitive spoiler...

 

[shozone]

Oh damn, those are some of the funniest stories I've heard all week. The one about the VW seat just about killed me....