Rear hatch open inhibits starts?

[jwight]

In jrfuisz's "car won't start" thread someone posted the possibility of the rear hatch being unlocked keeping the car from starting. Just tested it and neither the glass hatch or tailgate being unlocked/open prevents the car from starting. No warning lights or buzzers, either. As far as I can tell you could drive around all day with both open (although the Owner's Manual recommends against it.)

[dancote]

Originally Posted by jwight

In jrfuisz's "car won't start" thread someone posted the possibility of the rear hatch being unlocked keeping the car from starting. Just tested it and neither the glass hatch or tailgate being unlocked/open prevents the car from starting. No warning lights or buzzers, either. As far as I can tell you could drive around all day with both open (although the Owner's Manual recommends against it.)

While it's true that there are no warning lights, the interior light over the mirror will stay on until you close the glass hatch. Don't ask how I know.

[mmmeat]

Originally Posted by jwight

In jrfuisz's "car won't start" thread someone posted the possibility of the rear hatch being unlocked keeping the car from starting. Just tested it and neither the glass hatch or tailgate being unlocked/open prevents the car from starting. No warning lights or buzzers, either. As far as I can tell you could drive around all day with both open (although the Owner's Manual recommends against it.)

I believe you can only drive around with the glass hatch open until you fall asleep from lack of oxygen...

Your pal,
Meat.

[jwight]

Too bad they've already picked Jay Leno's replacement.

[bradgarbus]

I have heard something about that too... I think it's urban legend, not really true.

[Karl Roth]

seem to remember a thread abut the locks not locking due to this but nothing about it not starting..
karl

[Dave Van]

Hatch open will prevent the car from locking....found that out the hard way after 15 minutes! (hatch was closed but just not 100%)

[p1nball]

let you know that I drive all the time with it open. On the country roads and interstate, I 77 from Rock Hill S.C. to charlotte N.C. at 75-85 MPH. Never a problem. Starts open all the time. had car from the frist week of Feb. Also to the person who post light stays on just mash the light button to the off position!!! Great air flow

[Dave Van]

p1nball......a Smart during rush hour on that strech of I-77 takes nurves of steel on a brain dead driver! I hope you have the nurves of steel! Lived in Charlotte for 20 years and hated that road....at any time! Best of luck on your drive!

[Wizco]

Driving with the hatch open was the only way to get the 2x4's home.

Didn't notice the locks, but yeah the light will stay on, unless you flip the switch to off.