Just got new hatch struts, 2001 GTS ... how to install them? ---

[alwayscode390]

I just got two new hatch struts ... the cold weather finally killed my stock ones.

I took a quick look to see how they are mounted.

Do you just pop off the plastic peice on either end ... and are there screws beneath?

Is it just that simple? One screw on each end?

Thanks ---

 

[BlackSnake99]

It's that simple.

 

[Paul Hawker]

No screws, maybe a clip that will yield to a small screwdriver.

 

[Steve-Indy]

Take care with the hatch alarm switch.

 

[alwayscode390]

Take care with the hatch alarm switch.

Thanks for the heads up Steve ... where is that exactly so I can keep clear? ---

 

[Steve-Indy]

Check driver's side strut for switch...do passenger side first as a practice run.

 

[alwayscode390]

I thought I noticed something with a wire on the drivers side.

Does the switch get moved over to the new strut? ---

 

[Bird325]

Just looked at mine and it's pretty obvious that the switch (plastic housing/metal contact that rides along slider of strut) is moved over to the new strut. Get a flashlight and look down inside the switch housing at the bottom of the driver's side strut. Did mine a year ago and it's a piece of cake. When you put it all back together, you'll have to make sure that the contact switch moves from the slider to the cylinder when the hatch is closed. If you don't position the switch correctly, your alarm will not arm correctly.

It's easy to position it correctly: When you put the switch back in place, before closing your hatch for the first time with the new struts, leave the screws that join the two halves somewhat less than tight. This will allow the switch to slide down the slider when the cylinder bottoms out in it. Open the hatch back up, tighten the screws on the switch and you're done!

 

[alwayscode390]

Thank you Bird ---

 

[alwayscode390]

I just installed the struts today ... and wasnt sure how to check that the alarm is arming itself.

I thought if you armed the system, and opened the hatch with your key ... the alarm would go off.

Is that true?

My horn honks and the lights flash when I hit "lock" ... but the alarm isnt going off when I open the hatch with the key and the alarm "armed"

Maybe I need to adjust the switch housing? Looks like the cylinder is going INTO the housing , but I am not sure if its bottoming out like its supposed to.

Let me know, thanks ---