blue86iroc

iTrader: (2)

I replaced the rear hatch struts on my car a while ago, and I've been having this problem ever since. For some reason, the struts don't seem to complete a circuit when the hatch is shut. The defogger gets its power and ground from these struts -- it basically acts as a wire to get power to the hatch glass area. With the hatch open and the struts extended, there is continuity between the top and bottom terminals. However, when I close the hatch as little as 2-3 inches the connection is lost. I already had to rewire my hatch-mounted third brake light because it got its ground from one of the struts. It's getting colder outside now and a defroster would really help in the morning.

soulbounder

Wow, that's the first time I ever hear of that. I'll go check my project car when I get a chance. I'm pretty sure mine are not powered are grounded through the strut.

lonsal

iTrader: (2)

Are yours stock GM struts or aftermarket ones? I replaced the GM ones on my 88 IROC with PepBoys Lifetime warranty ones. They had a tang ath the upper most mount point (when raised) that the wire connetor snaps onto. GM's has a welded tang. This one is a ring that was a bit loose. I took a spring steel ave washer and cut it to form a "C" then slipped it in between to take up the slack. It fit perfectly. The only other thing I can think of is the strut is too worn to make contact any more. Which means they will need to be replaced.

Lon

blue86iroc

iTrader: (2)

I think that they were wired differently for '86, since that was the first year for the third brake light. My brake light gets its power from the little contact at the base of the hatch, but the defrosters get power from the struts. I actually had to rewire my brake light's ground to the contacts because one of the struts grounds the defrosters and the brake light. It's interesting... the hatch struts have the little connectors just like the OEM ones, but it doesn't complete the circuit when the hatch is shut. I suppose that I could get my defrosters to work if I popped the hatch, but where's the sense in that?

Lonsal, these are Pep Boy's struts that I put on about a year ago, so they aren't worn... they didn't work from the start. I'll try what you suggested.

lonsal

iTrader: (2)

I think my aftermarket struts would make contact when the hatch is closed. That is when they are compressed the most. But it being loose just bugged me. In your case if they have more than a few miles on them the core may have worn to the point that it doesn't make contact. Since the closed position is where they are at most of the time, it is where they will have worn. When opened they will make contact again because the core isn't worn (less time spent opened then closed). Before you replace them, try forcing some grease into that area. That may help it to make contact again.

Good luck, Lon.

lonsal

iTrader: (2)

Another product for TDS? PepBoys strut repair kit. LOL The washers are spring steel, .010 thick. I'm sending a picture of them (before modification). Lon