So it just started happening yesterday evening, as I'm pulling into a gas station the hatch pops open on it's own. It does a couple more times, I just kinda brush it off. It does not release and open fully but it does release the latch and the trunk light and dash indicator come on. I noticed when it does open on it's own the motor on the latch mechanism is still releasing an imaginary hatch in that it's sounding like it keeps opening. Any ideas? Motor, solenoid or other? Thanks in advance.

 

Either the switch back at the license plate is shorting and triggering it to open, or there a problem with your keyfob and it's randomly sending the signal to open the hatch. My guess would be a problem with the Keyfob. Replace the battery in it, and while you have it open, clean the contacts for the buttons, etc.

 

+1 on the battery and cleaning

If you're not familiar with cleaning electronics, you can pick up a can of electronics cleaner at radio shack, or gently wipe the contacts with a cotton swab that is barely misted with a cleaner.

 

Well; the original keyfob no longer exists as it fell victim to a drunken mishap. So the keyfob option is out; the switch would be my guess based on your info. Could cheapass led plate lamps cause any kind of issue?

 

I personally can't see how the plate lamps would cause it, but I would check to make sure nothing is snagging the emergency release under the rear strut tower. I would also consider checking the release button above the license plate to see if it is worn out.

 

its prob the emergency release under the rear hatch brace. it looks like a seat belt buckle connected with a wire/string so try that

 

zrzly- I'm having the same problem with my 2007 Z. Long story short, I replaced the solenoid because it had seized (because apparently this was happening a lot without my knowledge and burned out my solenoid - replaced under warranty). But after the dealership replaced my solenoid they said it just started actuating repeatedly.

They determined it was the remote, but I have zero faith in this dealership at the moment because they originally thought that it was the latch (not covered by the warranty), and now they think it's the remote (not covered by the warranty).

So for my situation I have removed the battery from the remote and I am using only the key for a little while to see if it is in fact the remote, and I will take Daves advice and clean the contacts and replace the battery.

But in your case as you said you don't use the remote, so I will echo Daves and say I would think it is the release button/switch behind the license plate. I do not think it's the emergency release as that is directly mechanically connected to the latch and skips over the solenoid, which you say you can hear actuating.

In closing I would tackle solving the problem ASAP so that you don't wear out that solenoid.