Hatch won't Latch - 2005 9-5 Wagon

Last night the paddle wagon decided to do something very strange: I can't close the hatch.

At first I thought it was something in the way, a piece of gear, rope, strap, etc, hanging in the way. Nope. All clear around the entire way.

I was able to operate the locks with the key, and with the tab, but that didn't seem to make much difference. I'd hear the "shklunk-shklunk" but to no avail.

I don't know what it's suppose to look like, but the latch seems to stay closed. I thought the bolt would push through, but maybe not?

So, ideas? Costs? Not a great time, I have a trip planned.


The only other weird thing, two days earlier, I couldn't lock the car at all, not with the key, nor the tab on the console by the shifter. The next morning, it was fine.

You might just have a sticking latch catch and sometimes they need some lubrication and help to open as they will spring back to lock position. and the release button only unlocks, it doesn't pop the latch full open. When the latch closes on the catch lifting the hatch pulls it far enough to snap into the open position and if it doesn't it can close back on itself in the lock position and needs to be pulled open by hand. I use a hose hook, but a screwdriver will also work, to pull the latch open.

Thanks Digger. I managed to finangle that. I'm always worried about breaking something when I noodle around like that, and it took a while to figure out where to prod, but it is working not.
The plastic sheath around the door latch is a little deformed, but seems to be sliding smoothly now. A little worried about the "little things" that start to go wrong with a car after the 12 year mark.

Thanks again!

Thank you, Digger. I had the same trouble; your advice was spot on.

You can use my tutorial for repair your latch http://saabworld.net/showthread.php?t=32895

Tak ( Swedish for Thanks).

ingenting you're welcome

I had that problem today on my '08 9-3 SportCombi. I walked away until the sun went down enough so I could work on it without being soaked in sweat. Turns out all I needed to do was push the release button again before I closed it. That's not normal to be sure, but who ever said Saabs were normal. My mechanic will figure it out.