Rear Hatch Does Not Always Work

[benstilwell]

I have a 1997 Blazer LT. The electrical hatch release button (both on the dash and on the hatch) fail to open the hatch. Sometimes it works, but it usually does not work.

Many times it will only work one time when the button is pushed. When immediately shut, it will not work the second time.

It is probably a short somewhere, but where??? Water used to enter the back door thru the brake light located on the top rear of the vehicle. I have sealed this problem and searched for disconnects, and shorts to no avail.

Also, my windshild wipers do not work properly when I try to utilize the spray wash (on the front ones - the back wiper works fine). The wipers (front) turn on fine, but the will not turn off when I turn the switch off - they remain on. This only happens when I push the washer button on the turn signal. Eventually the wipers turn off (several seconds to several minutes later).

Has anyone had these problems, and if so, please help.

[Shortbus]

Welcome to AF.

Here are the most common problems with the two systems you are asking about.

1 - Intermittent or inoperable lift gate(not sure if you mean the glass or the lift gate itself) check for proper operation of the actuators. The actuators are simple stepper motors and are prone to locking up, also on the end of each actuator is a little rubber bumper that will wear down and fail to make full contact with the latch. Replacing the actuator will most likely be the only way to correct the problem.

2 - Wiper/Front On the motor there is a Control module PN 12463090 this is the brains for the wiper control system. I can't even begin to say how many problems people have expeirenced with these, ghost wipe, no washers, pulse does not work, ect ect....

If this is not the cause of the problem it may be the wiper switch inside of the steering column, while turning the lever to wash, strike the top of the coulumn above of where the lock cylinder is with your palm a few times and observe whether or not the wash function works. This is a crude way to test it but usually will work. this only works when there is an electrical short in the switch or corroded terminals.

[benstilwell]

Thank you for the information. The latch is the glass door on the back gate. The button usually does not work when either pushing the release button on the front dash or pushing the button at the gate (window) itself.

[bowtiebandit]

2 - Wiper/Front On the motor there is a Control module PN 12463090 this is the brains for the wiper control system. I can't even begin to say how many problems people have expeirenced with these, ghost wipe, no washers, pulse does not work, ect ect....

Amen to that!! If memory serve there is a little blue plastic ocnnector on the back latch that constantly break off.

[custmguru]

one of the biggest problems. with squeaky hatch glass and front brakes right behind it

[diddy0071]

First, before we start tearing apart our beloved blazer, let's analyze the problems, and find a solution that doesn't involve tearing it to shit.

1.

Originally Posted by benstilwell

Also, my windshild wipers do not work properly when I try to utilize the spray wash (on the front ones - the back wiper works fine). The wipers (front) turn on fine, but the will not turn off when I turn the switch off - they remain on. This only happens when I push the washer button on the turn signal. Eventually the wipers turn off (several seconds to several minutes later).

This is in fact, NOT A PROBLEM. When you turn on the Spray wash, the wiper arms continue to wipe the windshield for a few seconds after, to make sure it gets rid of all the spray wash. This is common in a lot of vehicles, (My Cavalier does that, and my 1997 Blazer Does that too!)

Turn on the windshield wipers, (WITHOUT THE SPRAY WASH) and turn them off, and they will turn off, not continue to wipe a few times. This is only activated with the spray wash.

2.

Originally Posted by benstilwell

I have a 1997 Blazer LT. The electrical hatch release button (both on the dash and on the hatch) fail to open the hatch. Sometimes it works, but it usually does not work.

Many times it will only work one time when the button is pushed. When immediately shut, it will not work the second time.

Now, you didn't mention the whole problem. Does the switch not work when you have the car in gear? The Rear Window Hatch is set to not open while the vehicle is in operation. So if you had it in drive, it's sure as hell not going to open it. WHY IS THAT? well, some clumsy people like myself tend to hit the wrong buttons accidentally, especially when we try to hit the rear windshield wiper button. It Happens. As for the Hatch not working when it is immediately shut, give it a few seconds to reset the switch. It's an electronic component, and needs to reset before it can function again. Immediately shut it, and count to 3. Then try it. I bet it will work. Hope my are worth something.