sw2 rear hatch release

[tomsw2]

Hi all - first time to post a question, but I've taken advantage of everyone's advice surreptitiously- thanks. I have a 97 SW2 with a balky rear hatch release. When I press the key fob or pull the release in the car, the latch makes a horrible buzzing noise - almost sounds like little gears grinding against one another. The latch opens despite the noise, but obviously something is not right and I would like to fix it before it self-destructs. Is the latch unit on the hatch a sealed unit, or can I take it apart and try my customary poking around to see if I can decipher the problem? Any suggestions will be appreciated

Thanks in advance

Tom

[wolfman]

YES you can take it apart with confidence (not easy to break) Sounds like it just may be in need of some lubrication. Recommend "Spray cable and chain lube" (Walmart) for the mechanism.

[tomsw2]

Wolfman, thanks for the suggestion. After finally getting up enough courage to rip off the plastic covering the rear hatch, I figured out my problem lies in the little module that opens the latch when the remote entry button is pushed. I don't know the name of it, but it is a 2 inch by 5 inch black module with a piston arm out one side that attaches right next to the actual rear latch. I took it apart and a small plastic gear that drives the piston out has lost a couple of teeth (probably a $.10 part). I called saturn to see how much a replacement would be and was told they only sell the whole module for $87. So I called junk yards in the area but have had no luck finding the part. Does anyone know if the same part can be found on other makes/models of cars so that I could get a used or salvage one for less? Thanks for your help

[ssicarman]

Try Joey at

Joe Cutrone

sales@6thplanetusedparts.com

for a used one.

[ProDarwin]

It's a hatch release solenoid. A salvage one is fine.