Hatch locks fail to hold.

[JamesR]

The hatch handle in the rear compartment is barely hanging on: Fell open on the road. Are these things adjustable to get a better grip on the bracket on the inside?

[bclemens]

I am told there is an adjustment on the striker latch??? but form the picture it doesn't look like there can be.

[papap]

I tried to adjust mine and could not see a way to do it. Only one of mine on the big compartment does not hold all the time.

[cousin01]

I have the same problem.


Here is what I tried and here is what I found.

First I tried to extend the depth of the strike with some "JB Weld" epoxy. This was intended to increase the overlap between strik and latch. I did it in two applications to build up the strike.

I installed the latch but with only two screws to test things and it seemed to hold.

Then I installed the other two screws and tightened all the screws. But when I tried the latch it once again failed to hold.

When I went to disassemble it again I noticed that the latch was not fully extended until the screws were backed off a little. Now with the screws "less tight" the latch extends fully and the compartment stays closed.

I am not completely through with this as I want to find out what binds the latch when the screws are fully tightened, but it will do for now.