I'm guessing it's just age but the rear hatch won't stay open on its own. Especially in cold temps, you have to hold it open. Really sucks and is very embarrasing when I have to hold it with one hand while loading with the other. Never fails that I'm parked nice to a new domestic SUV with power open/close tailgate.

Anyone have any suggestions or repair instructions?

TIA

Chuck

 

You need a new set of struts for your hatch. Not sure how much
it will cost, but it will be good as new after they are replaced. My
04 CS had the same problem, but it was covered under by the dealer.

Good luck!

 

same thing happened to me, replaced under warranty

 

Thanks for the replies. I'm not sure if it'll be covered my extended warranty, we'll see. I sure hope it is. I can't imagine it being a cheap repair.

 

I have the same problem on my 04 CS but have not replaced them yet. I do know that it requires quite a bit of effort to do right; since you have to remove your headliner to do it. Cost of struts? I don't know. Also make sure to find a way to prop the hatch open before strut removal since it is very heavy and could injure you.

There is a writeup somewhere on here by someone who did it themselves.

Chris

 

If the extended warranty is Porsche it's covered

 

The warranty isn't Porsche and it's not covered. The local dealer estimates $500 - 600 to repair. I'd love to find a DIY on it.

 

I just ordered two new rear hatch struts for my 04 s ($50 each from a dealer on the west coast) I will try to take pictures of the process as a DIY.

Also make sure your "Glass" Struts work by themselves. Because they act as a booster to the hatch struts.

 

Where can I get a copy of whats covered in the Porsche extended warranty besides my dealer?

 

Has anyone done this themselves? Any DIY'ers?

 

here are step by step instructions from Renntech

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index...upport-struts/

 

The link is blocked because I'm not a user. Long and short of it is it really really difficult or is the biggest challenge simply propping the door up?

 

no... its fairly straight forward... I need to replace mine as well! plan on doing it myself.

here is a copy & paste of the instructions

Parts Needed:
955.512.550.03 Rear Lid Dampers (2 required)

Removal

Notes:
- To remove the pneumatic springs, they must be in idle state: rear lid open.
- The rear lid must be secured against accidental closure after removing the pneumatic springs.
- Pneumatic springs must not be opened using force extreme internal pressure.

Note: Some of the interior lining pieces can be fragile so handle them with care.

1. Open rear window and rear lid.
2. Remove rear roof lining:
- Unclip interior light on the roof lining.
- Pull off plug.
- Unclip roof lining at marked positions. To do so, lift the lining slightly at the rear and lever the clip connection out using a screwdriver.
3. Remove the D−pillar trim:
Note: When unclipping the D−pillar trim using a tool, make sure not to damage the electrical wires lying behind it and the head airbag.
- Open cover for luggage compartment net partition.
- Unscrew fastening screw.
- Unclip D−pillar trim (5 locations in the middle) from the interior D−pillar. To do so, raise trim slightly and lever out the fastening clips using a screwdriver.
- Unclip D−pillar trim where it joins rear side trim.
- Unclip D−pillar trim from interior D−pillar at the bottom. To do so, raise trim slightly and lever out the fastening clips using a screwdriver.
- Only in vehicles with BOSE sound system: Pull off plug from the loudspeaker.
- Remove D−pillar trim.
4. Remove rear grab handles at left and right:
- Unfold grab handle, Unclip cover, Unscrew fastening screws.
- Remove grab handle.
5. Unscrew the fastening screws .


6. Unclip and remove the deformation element.


7. Cut open the bonded joint on the cover with a knife and remove the cover.
8. Remove any sealant residue on the cover and on the body.
9. Secure rear lid so that it cannot fall shut accidentally. It is very heavy and one strut will not hold it up.
10. Loosen the retaining clips on the pneumatic spring for the rear lid at the ball sockets using a screwdriver and remove the clips.


11. Pull the pneumatic spring for the rear lid from the ball heads and remove.



Installation

1. Place the retaining clips on the pneumatic spring for the rear lid at the ball sockets and press into position.
2. Press the pneumatic spring for the rear lid on to the ball heads until the retaining clips engage perceptibly.
3. Apply Klebt und Dichtet sealant to the cover and stick on the cover.
Note: After sticking on the cover, allow the sealant to dry for about 60 minutes.
4. Position and clip in the deformation element .
5. Insert the fastening screws and tighten to the 2 ftlbs (3 Nm).
6. Install rear grab handles at left and right (reverse of above).
7. Install D−pillar trim (reverse of above).
8. Install rear roof lining (reverse of above).
9. Remove the rear lid bracing device and carefully test the lid.

 

Since I am in need of replacing these on my truck, I figured I would update the thread by indicating that the new part number required (quantity 2) is 955-512-550-06-M24. About $65 each.