1995 Rear Hatch won't lock

[OscarMeyer195]

Does any have an issue with the rear glass hatch not catching/locking? When I slam down the glass it does not lock. This is a pain because if I drive on the highway the air pressure inside the car pushes this and opens up.

I've taken the rear tail gate appart and sprayed some wd-40 on every moving part I could find but it did not help.

[surferfletch]

I have to retighten the nuts that hold the latching bar to the glass periodically. Are yours tight?

[96rodeo]

I have this same problem occasionally. However, if I shut it a little harder it will latch. Try what surferfletch suggested to check to make sure the nuts are tight.

Nick

[95.5 Rodeo]

I have had to tighten the screws on the latching bar as well.

The latching bar plate does have a provision for a small amount of adjustment, maybe yours needs to be reset.

It could be that the latch in the tailgate is broken. I see a small black plastic piece on mine that serves as the catch. You may want to check your Rodeo and see if it is still in place and working.


Dale

[T2kind]

I deal with this problem monthly, especially when I slam the spare tire rack. I plan to add some loc-tie (thread glue) to the screws so the latch doesn't move.

[KAndrewL]

Also check the rear window washer hose. If it is folding and coiling in the wrong position, it can make the hatch hard to close. The hose can be turned radially at the hatch end.
Andrew