Learn from my mistake(s)

[radhaz]

Hey guys just wanted to share this little tidbit of info that really is common sense but just might help someone.

I'm a relatively new owner of a 1990 240sx fastback and of course when I bought the car I checked for all the standard things like spare tire, jack, etc. Today I had a blowout on the front drivers side tire, it was no biggie I pulled over and opened the hatch (btw my hatch doesn't spring up is there an easy fix for this?) and pulled out the jack and the donut.

I realized much to my dismay that the jack that I had, was not going to lift my car. I mean sure it was able to lift 3 tons but it was one of those upright hydraulic jacks which stood about 10inches high. Unfortunately my car while on the rim only offered 6 maybe 7 inches clearance at most :( I did some contemplating and even searched for some wood to roll onto to get some clearance but no such luck. I mean this car isn't even lowered yet.

Luckily for me a guy pulled over and had a scissor jack in his car that he let me use to get the car up. It was cake and went quickly after that. I lowered the car onto the donut and then saw one more mistake on my part, the donut was under pressurized, so I ended up using some fix-a-flat to get it to the right psi.

I'm sure this will never happen to anyone else but just to recap.

1) Check your jack to make sure its "low" enough to get under your car when you get a flat, ESPECIALLY if you have a lowered car.

2) Don't trust just leaning on your donut to check the psi use a gauge because when the time comes to use it, its too late.

[transient]

Ugh, sounds like a nasty experience. As far as the rear hatch is concerned, I've got some struts from my old hatch that I'd be willing to send to you at the cost of shipping.

[radhaz]

Thanks for the offer but I don't think its the strut(s), it's the initial "pop" when you turn the key or hit the switch that isn't happening. So the only way to open the hatch is to turn the key and lift it with one hand.

I'm guessing theres a spring inside the locking mechanism that is meant to push my hatch up and out of the lock once its released.

As for the day well I honestly can't complain because it was my own fault for not thinking these things beforehand. I spent $20 and bought a screw type jack for future use and a new can of fix-a-flat this afternoon so that I won't make the same mistake twice.

I'm just glad that this didn't happen with the little lady in the car or I'd still be hearing about it.

[DRFT]

Hey w***up man, i have the same problem as you concerning the hatch. I saw my friend's hatch and he just turns the key and it jus opens. My hatch i have to do the same procedure to get it open. I am also wondering if it is the locking mechanism. And does your gas lid open too? Cuz mine dont...everytime ihave to go get gas i have to either pull the lid out w/my fingers or use my key :(
Is there anyway to fix this?
Originally posted by radhaz
Thanks for the offer but I don't think its the strut(s), it's the initial "pop" when you turn the key or hit the switch that isn't happening. So the only way to open the hatch is to turn the key and lift it with one hand.

I'm guessing theres a spring inside the locking mechanism that is meant to push my hatch up and out of the lock once its released.

As for the day well I honestly can't complain because it was my own fault for not thinking these things beforehand. I spent $20 and bought a screw type jack for future use and a new can of fix-a-flat this afternoon so that I won't make the same mistake twice.

I'm just glad that this didn't happen with the little lady in the car or I'd still be hearing about it.

[transient]

Have you made sure you've got tension on the cable that opens the gas door?

[240fluke]

Nobody seems to think to check the spare tire for air. Then when the day finally comes that it is needed the stupid thing is flat.

Every month you will lose about 1 psi in your tires. (Notice that those little things are rated up to 60psi). This is why you should check your tires on a regular basis to make sure that there is still air in your tires and you do not have a leak.

For the spare tire, you should probably try and check it like every 6 months/1 year. Make sure it has air in there.

BTW, if you ever have to use Fix-A-Flat on a tire, you are SUPPOSED to tell the shop that you take the tire to that you have used it inside the tire as it is a chemical and must be disposed of.

Tim '95 SE (totalled)

[twitchy]

maybe it is the struts....

mine doesnt open, and I dont have a key for it. I have to get someone to pull the lever while I lift on the back

I think maybe the struts need to be like exerting a certain amount of force to "pop" the lid when you pull that lever and mine just arent

[transient]

Hmm, I wonder. By the way the struts lay when the hatch is closed, I don't think they could be exerting any upward pressure, but I could be wrong.

[radhaz]

Well I'm in the same boat on this one as you transient. I'm wagering its a spring or something providing tension inside the locking mechanism.