Hatch doesn't close in cold weather

[Sputnik]

My hatch doesn't seem to close properly when its really cold outside (-25 degrees C this morning). It seems to catch, but its not completely closed. I slammed it so hard this morning, I'm surprised the thing didn't break off in the cold. Still when I went over a bump, my little "door open" indicator came on. Once the car was really warm it closed properly. Anyone else having the same problem?

[nkaltso]

I had the same issue. I even had a squeeking noice when I opened the rear hatch.What I did was buy some silicone spray and sprayed the hinges but but most importantly the rubber stopers that guide the hatch closed. Lube both the bodyside and the door. I did this two weeks ago and the door closes remarakbly better. No more door open lights like you mentioned.Good luckNick

[nkaltso]

Don't bother with the dealer, Silicone Lube is silicone Lube. I worked as a door engineer for Gm and the Seal engineers recomended it for any rubber componets.Also be carefull what type of silicone lube you get. Some smell bad I usally test the sent of it on a arbituary surface at the auto part store.Most importantly take the silicone lube and spary the rubber seals. It will make them last longer but most importantly it keeps the doors from frezing in the winter after a carwash. Every winter I spray the seals and I have never had a frozen door.Nick

[Fast Eddie]

I'm having the same problem with my hatch whether it's cold or not. I have to slam it pretty good or I'll get the door ajar and dome light flashing on and off driving down the road. Thanks for the silicone spray advice, I'll give it a try.

[cohocarl]

Mine closes fine when cold, but I do also get a rather loud "eeeeerrrrrrrrrppppppp" sound when I open it in the cold.I've been meaning to take a rag with some silicone spray on it to wipe down the rubber bumpers, but it's been so cold here.....Thanks,Carl

[Sputnik]

Yes, I get that sound too. And I can no longer stand under it without the hatch hitting my head because it doesn't go up all the way, like it does in warm weather.

[DopeVibeGT]

Nope, no problems here. I did notice that you have to close it kind of hard. But once the seals and that get older, it should shut better.

[Chris]

I've noticed my hatch does not close very well unless slammed a bit. I did find one thing that helped a bit... if you close it 'semi gently' but keep you hand on the hatch with a little force, it seem to latch fine. At my first oil change, I'm going tohave them look at it and see if it can be adjusted to latch a bit easier.

[shenandoah24]

I like never open my hatch...so I have no idea if it is having trouble. I have never owned a car with a hatch, so I forget about it all the time. I guess that I need to remember that I have moved up in the car food chain from the Happy Meal ( cavalier ). I love my Vibe. I can' t say that enough.

[Sputnik]

How do you put stuff in your car?

[shenandoah24]

I just throw everything (like groceries, or suitcases, etc...) in the backseat. JUst like I did in the happy meal. It would make more sense to throw it in the back since I have the cargo box and all....

[jayemright]

So far, that is the only "bug" I have found in my car. The day I bought it, Valentine's day, school was closed due to a -50c wind chill. It just started to warm up today! I too will try the silicone and see if that helps.

[Vibe]

Today I went put and opened my hatch and left it up for 20 minutes---It stayed up at it proper height and then closed just fine. It was 20 deg outside. I am sure it is just a simple latch adj and can be easily fixed. But as far as not going up all the way -----those lift shocks are probably at fault.Best of luck. James

[Vibe]

It was about 20 degrees this morning when i did it.