I am separated from my SA while out of town and spending my free time trying to devise a fix for the hatch release. Does anyone happen to have a picture of the hatch release solenoid?

While I suspect the original part is a unicorn, it's a simple enough function that I imagine a modern replacement can be retrofitted.

 

I've needed to fix a non working rear hatch release 4-5 times on SA's. Everytime, it has been the dash switch itself. I've never experienced a failure with the release mechansim in the rear. I've bought a few switches over time (all the dash switches) just to keep and have on hand in times of faliure. Saves a whole bunch of time and agrevation in trouble shooting problems. Just swap in a different part and see if the problem is solved. With old cars, you need to plan ahead to survive. Rx-7's have aged well in my opinion, but they do qualify as old cars now.

 

Used SA-specific (technically the 79 and 80 releases are diff mechanical layout, but should interchange) release assy's do pop up on ebay from time-to-time. Likewise keep an eye in the Gen 1 Parts-for-sale section here (or better yet, post a WTB -Want To Buy request there).
As to other brands working instead, you may have some challenges since the SA key assy is remote from the release assy and connected by a longish rod.

Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

WTB ad here on the forum and checking frequently for part outs would be your best bet, as aforementioned.

 

Ok, so recently, I had my own trouble with a rear hatch release. I was getting a signal to the release mechanism as you could here it actuating, but not releasing. In addition, the key would not open it either. I figured the latch mechanism was stuck somehowm preventing either method from working.

First step was too get the hatch open. 1st picture shows the lever you push to the right (passenger side) to open the latch. (rear cover removed for clarity) 2nd pic is the lever pushed. After looking at the latch I couldn't find anything wrong. The release solenoid however appeared to be stuck. You couldn't move the actuation rod at all. Undoing the acutation rod from the latch and removing 2 screws, the solenoid comes out easily in its rubber boot.

 

Once removed, I was able to move the rod in and out somewhat. With some WD-40 and careful exercising, a smal piece of rubber debri came out. From here I bent back a couple of the tabs holding the cover on the solenoid and removed the rod and sector gear its attached too.

Under here was the problem. Inside are a couple of rubber bumpers which had broke down and turned to blubber and worked its way into the pinion gear on the motor. This was preventing the motor from moving the mechanism and opening the latch. After cleaning out all the old rubber bits, adding some light grease and re-assembling, its works good again! It even sounds the same without the rubber bumpers inside.

I know this subject comes up from time to time on here, and now maybe this will help shed some light on what could be wrong and how easy it is to correct.

 

I have a hatch release issue with my FB....

Switch is fine and current gets to the solenoid but it doesn't actuate. Some times if I toggle the switch rapidly it will click open but extremely rarely.

Seems like the electromagnet doesn't really catch and engage... Any ideas? I was just going to get a used unit on ebay. It can't really be taken apart.

 

Great post. I will try it

 

I have the issue with my 80 and have tried to put in 3 different solenoids. None of them work. When I use a test light on the connector I have juice when I press the dash switch. Anyone know what this could be?

 

@Banzai Thanks for pointing me to this thread. I have (finally) tracked down a replacement unit. Just finished taking it apart and cleaning out all the rubber "mush" that was in there before it caused issues. Gonna (hopefully) head over to the winter storage location next week and get it installed. The original unfortunately took out 4-5 of the teeth on the large gear, so it's toast but I'm pretty confident in this new one, moves cleanly and looks great.

 

Glad it helped. As a reminder for those out there, the hot start assist mech is the same design as the rear hatch release. One pulls on a cable to the carb, the other pulls a lever on the hatch release. Never dug into it, but I bet internally most of the parts would interchange.

My point is, both mechanisms, get gummed up and fail and can be fixed in the same way. The first time I had a hot start assist mech go, I would have swore it was my starter. Never imagined that small of a part could emit such a large, obnoxious squeal.

 

U can swap the release latch from 81-85.