what causes rear hatch to pop out when button is pushed?

[Convict1997]

I used to own an 02 sport and when I'd hit the button to open the rear hatch glass the window would pop out about an inch. On my 98 sport, when I hit the button to open the rear hatch glass it doesn't pop out at all. This causes the window to relatch when I let go of the button. Usually I only have one hand when I'm trying to get into the back hatch and I can't get window to open without two hands. Is there some kind of spring in the latch that pushes the window out a little to stop it from relatching or are the lift struts supposed to put enough pressure to pop it out?

 

[gijoecam]

There's a spring in the latch mechanism that should pull the lever out. Odds are, either the spring broke, or the lever is sticky. Hit it with some WD40 first, and if that doesn't free it up, replace the latch assembly.

-Joe