Rear glass mystery

I took my GTA out yesterday & gave it a good run. When I got back I opened the engine cover to let the engine cool down after the fans had stopped. When I tried to close it, the catches would not click into place. I have checked them & they do work properly, both latching & unlocking. It is as if the catches on the glass are not going in far enough. At first I thought that the engine cover was not sitting properly, however it does seem to be ok. I know that the latches can be adjusted, but it seems strange that they should both need adjusting at the same time. I am aware of the cost of a new glass, so I am being very careful .

Any thoughts ?

Most likely the engine cover not being aligned / properly in place.

You can remove that by just giving it a tug towards you and then either test by closing the hatch without it in place, or just re-seat it. I've moved mine by accident before and yes then the hatch wont seem to close properly.

If you do remove it totally then just watch out for the two earth straps that should attach to it to form the faraday cage hidden under the carpet! You can just disconnect them and plug them back in afterwards. Likely its just moved slightly.

[stephendell]

As Darren says check for possible fouling on the carpeted cover and/or rubber seal. If nothing obvious then just adjust and raise the catches slightly on the body at the rear. They get pushed down every time you shut the glass so they may have just eventually moved enough not to catch. Also spray up all the catches with wd40 or similar to make sure they are nice and free.

Thank you both for the suggestions. I have taken the engine cover out & the glass will still not latch, so that excludes having to look for problems with the cover. There is no sign of the catches having moved, but as Steven says they are pushed down every time the glass is shut. Also there could be wear on the part that `strikes` the catch. I think a bit of adjusting is on the cards.

Still strange how both catches have gone out of adjustment together.

Suggest that you check that both "jaws" on the catches are in fact open and that for some reason or other, that have not got themselves into the "locked" position. To check ..... pull the release lever on the N/S door pillar. The reason I say this is that it is strange that both catches are not working, so something common to both seems to be the problem as you had no problems before.
If the "jaws" are open ..... you can check that they are functioning without using the glass cover, by pressing each catch down with the blade of a screwdriver until it clicks shut ..... open with the release lever.
Also check that the linkage between the two catches are not jammed in anyway, and the operating cable is free to operate the catches.
I keep my catches free with Spray Grease ....... it penetrates, then the solvent evaporates, and leaves the catches lightly greased.

Hi John

Thanks for the reply. I have already checked the latches & the jaws are not in the closed position. Also the release lever in the door jamb & the associated rods & linkages are all ok. I have had the car for 4 years & regularly grease the linkages & pivots.