I have a 2006 HHR. The rear liftgate will only open about 50% of the time.
-I checked the liftgate fuse, and it is good.
-I checked the liftgate relay swich, and it is good.
-I checked the electric switch on the liftgate, and it appears to be OK. It clicks every time it is pressed with my fingers.

The problem is the liftgate will not release everytime the electric switch is pressed with my fingers. I can hear the clicking noise from the relay switch and some other switch in the liftgate 100% of the time, but for some reason it only releases (opens) about 50% of time. I lubricated the liftgate latch hooks with WD-40, but it didn't help.

Does anyone know what is wrong? What part do I need to replace? Does something need lubricated?

Thank you

 

Adjustment of the latch mechanism?????

 

I'd try to lubricate the latch with a good lithium grease, and then maybe try a small adjustment after marking the current position. Unfortunately WD-40 isn't much of a lubricant, and it tends to evaporate quickly enough that any benefits are short lived.

 

After you get it open, check out the rubber adjustment bumpers on the door frame. There is one on each side, mine where "every kind" of whacked!

 

How, and where, do you adjust the latch mechanism?

 

You don't adjust the latch in the door, the striker at the bottom of the tailgate has some "wiggle room" built into it. Loosen the bolts and try to move it either forward or backward a touch, tighten it down and try the hatch. First make sure the latch mechanism in the door is lubricated and cycle the hatch a few times, it may clear up your problem without having to mess with the striker.

 

Not the latch, the bumpers on each side of the gate frame, not the gate. They have a "star" screw to loosen for adjustment. Look to the right & left about 1/3 of the way up from the bumper. Am I clear..., yet?