Rear hatch release problem solved!
 

Well I think it's solved anyway. I had never been comfortable with the Nissan explanation that the springs were faulty as it always seemed there was a 'sticky spot' at at the bottom of the catch. I watched closely this morning and it seemed that the hatch was pushed a mill or 2 to the left as the catch fully engaged.

Anyway, I pulled the cover off and adjusted the catch this morning. I found the best position was with the latch as far down and to the right as possible - there's only the slop in the holes to move it right. With it there, it releases every time so far. I reset it to the original position and it would never release fully. Back down and to the right and it works every time.

Well, that was an hour ago. I'll see if it continues to work over the rest of this weekend. If so, I might call it fixed.

I'd be interested to hear if this works for anyone else.

In for the replies.

Ditto

Good luck.

The hatch always seems to stick in early in the morning (car garaged) or at night.

Today I parked my car in the sun and when I pushed the button it released perfectly....

it's because there is a suction effect...

you'll also find that if one of your doors or windows are open the chances of the hatch opening increase a bit...

in the end Nissan failed at this... most other car manufacturers can get opening the boot right...

Still popping. The hatch releases first time every time. Fingers still crossed.

Nice work! I'll try that tonight.

When you say right, do you mean the drivers side? Just want to be sure.

I still have two 10c peices in the end of each spring which seem to be working.

Yep, toward the driver's side. It's just a bit of slop in hole so I don't know if it really makes any difference.

Perhaps having the catch down lower is increasing the tension on the springs and that's why it works but is doesn't seem to have a 'sticky' bit in the last half cm or so when closing it slowly. I also found previously that when it wasn't releasing, I didn't have to lift the hatch (as you'd expect with weak springs). As soon as I put a little upward pressure on the hatch, it popped up. Again indicating it was sticking somewhere.

Anyway, let us know how you get on.

Your theory is spot on about the suction effect.

Early in the morning, before I open the hatch, I open the door and bobs your uncle. It opens first time with no worries.....