OK, I feel stupid for asking this question... but when you hit the rear hatch actuator on the dashboard of the truck, is the back hatch supposed to raise up? Or do you really need two people to open the hatch (one to hit the actuator and one to lift at the back). The reason I am asking is that my buddy has a '97 Tahoe (same body style) and his hatch opens when he hits the actuator (or his key fob). I can only open mine with two people or get out of the truck and use my key to unlock and then lift. PITA either way.

This is the first time I have owned a truck like this so don't know how it shipped from the factory!

Thanks in advance!

 

try getting some new lift supports and make sure his is not motorized

 

Installed new struts - no change... Thanks though!

 

Mine just pops enough to clear the latch, doesn't go up on it's own. I had to lube the latch mechanism to get it to move far enough to not re-latch itself.

 

It should release enough to come out of the hatch mechanism, but I dont think it supposed to raise by itself.

 

Nope, it will not open by itself. It just unlocks. If the window seal is very old and has sagged or is missing it will not even unlock as the lock catches again after the release.

 

OK, I oiled the lock, replaced the struts, and now it is disengages that 1/4" so I can pull it open.... Perfect!

Thank you guys for all your help!!!