2003 996 Targa - Hatch won't open....

[AQuan]

I'm new to 911/996 world....this is a great site and learning so much just reading random post.

Recently purchased a 2003 996 Targa and now unable to open the rear hatch either via remote or the direct button on the door sill.

I tried opening/closing the roof multiple times as realize the roof must be in full close position.

During the PPI, there were a few roof error codes in the system, but the battery was very low so the errors were thought to be connected to the battery.

Read somewhere that disconnecting the battery might clear error codes, but even if that works guess it's just a short term solution.

Seems that error is related to a sensor somewhere or an interlock issue. I really enjoy the Targa roof but hoping this isn't the start of a messy (expensive) situation.

Thanks to all who might be able to share some advise!

[Loren]

:welcome:

Have you replaced the battery and cleared the codes?

If not start there.

[AQuan]

Thank you so much for the quick reply!

I disconnected the baterry to clear the interlock codes......good news.....hatch worked so doesn't seem to be a mechanical issue.

Now the bad news.....after I gently closed the hatch and heard the solenoid close it the rest of the way for a flush fit, I tried to open the hatch again and no luck.

Seems like some kind of a sensor issue where hatch doesn't know that it's fully closed.

I don't plan to use the hatch often so not a huge deal, but sure would be nice to be able to open it when needed.

:help:

[Loren]

I think you missed my point about the battery. It is known that a weak battery will cause all kinds of electrical "glitches" in these cars.

I suggest you take your battery out and have ti both load tested and specific gravity tested on each cell. If your battery is 4 years old or older - replace it. You will save yourself lots of headaches.

[AQuan]

Loren, thank you again for the quick reply. Really apprecaite it!

Good to know about the 'weak' battery issue...I'll definately keep that in mind for the future.

In this particular case, I actually already changed out to a new Interstate battery.

Don't have a juice problem in this case, seems like some type of sensor/interlock issue but don't know how to better diagnose that

[Loren]

The you will likely need a Durametric tester, or a Porsche PST2, or Porsche PIWIS tester to further diagnose.

Too many sensors and switches to just guess.