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Old 06-23-2008, 10:02 AM   #1 (permalink)
 
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Tailgate window latch issue

Just a minor thing, but has anyone else had an issue where you "think" you have securely shut the tailgate window (hatch), but then after driving it around all day, you notice it is NOT latched? Even when I lock the car, it seems to think, all is well. I was wondering if it might be possible to put a small electrical door switch under the overhead hinges and wire it with some kind of indicator so you would KNOW it was not latched? Any one else have any thoughts on this?

Thanks!

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Old 06-23-2008, 10:41 AM   #2 (permalink)
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I know on my car if the rear window isn't latched, it won't lock. When I picked up my car I was told to watch the flashing lights, one flash means something isn't closed, three means your good to go.
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Old 06-23-2008, 10:47 AM   #3 (permalink)
 
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I have an indicator that I use that's much better, faster, and easier than any electrical warning switch wired into the car..........it's my finger! ;) Close the window, stick finger under bottom edge and pull! If it opens......it isn't locked!
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Old 06-23-2008, 10:58 AM   #4 (permalink)
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All good ideas, indeed.

Quote:
Originally Posted by bigcritter View Post
I have an indicator that I use that's much better, faster, and easier than any electrical warning switch wired into the car..........it's my finger! ;) Close the window, stick finger under bottom edge and pull! If it opens......it isn't locked!
The best indicator to me is that the interior light stays ON whenever any door or hatch is not fully closed. Indicator light that doubles as an interior light---or is it the other way around...LOL
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Old 06-23-2008, 11:00 AM   #5 (permalink)
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My dome light stays on if any of the doors, including the hatch are not latched.
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Old 06-23-2008, 11:06 AM   #6 (permalink)
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I have closed the hatch and thought it was latched, gone about my business only to return and find it open (unlatched). I now check to see if I can lift the glass after closing it. Never thought to check if I could lock the car or not and always thought the lil' bugger was secured.
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Old 06-23-2008, 11:36 AM   #7 (permalink)
 
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Yup, the autolock indicator and dome light are your best signs that the latch isn't locked. Gotta shut that tailgate with a little gusto.
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Old 06-23-2008, 12:12 PM   #8 (permalink)
 
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Great! That's a little tip I missed from the book. I can definitely use that! Thanks!

Kidbyte -


Quote:
Originally Posted by WhiteNBlack08 View Post
I know on my car if the rear window isn't latched, it won't lock. When I picked up my car I was told to watch the flashing lights, one flash means something isn't closed, three means your good to go.
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Old 06-23-2008, 12:14 PM   #9 (permalink)
 
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Yes, I always click the autolock button whenever I am ready to move my smartbiru. If it doesn't show the red light, something's not shut right.
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Old 06-23-2008, 12:17 PM   #10 (permalink)
 
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THAT'S the method I have been using! Getting tired of cleaning all my greasy fingerprints off the window, though! ;)

Kidbyte



Quote:
Originally Posted by bigcritter View Post
I have an indicator that I use that's much better, faster, and easier than any electrical warning switch wired into the car..........it's my finger! ;) Close the window, stick finger under bottom edge and pull! If it opens......it isn't locked!
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