rear hatch doesn't open

[nebrfestiva]

How it the world do I remove the latch assembly? It doesn't open using the handle on the back and I don't even know if its locked or not because the lock mechanism just spins in circle when trying the key.

[daniel_cogar]

crawl into the back and remove the panel on the hatch and try to manually open it that way

[mudder]

I just reach up through the access door the Michigan road salt hath provided.

[BUSTIVA]

You may have to little locker flap switch thing (on the bottom of the hatch near the latch) swithed on or off, mine wont open if I engage it. Pull the interior panels off and pull on the rods to unlock it, you may have to use a flatblade screwdriver to pick the latch from inside.

[Movin]

The thing you flip on the bottom of the hatch door that locks the door so its already
locked when you shut it..Grocerys in your hands, storming kind of thing. flip it the other way and it unlocks

[BUSTIVA]

The thing you flip on the bottom of the hatch door that locks the door so its already
locked when you shut it..Grocerys in your hands, storming kind of thing. flip it the other way and it unlocks

That makes sense lol. Mine on the other hand is the "You're never going to open this hatch ever again switch" LOL

[Bert]

My hatch key lock seized years ago and I merely reach in through the back seat to flip the little visible ear on the latch from inside to unlock the hatch. You do the reverse to lock when closing the gate. No muss no fuss. I can take a picture if necessary but if anyone takes a look at the latch while it's open you can easily determine how and why it works.

[neanderpaul]

You do NOT have to remove the panel to unlock. You can see the lock lever between the hatch and the car. A flat screwdriver can unlock it.

[Bert]

neanderpaul is correct. No disassembly required. But you may want to start keeping a keychain flashlight to help find the lock-unlock tab in low light or darkness.

[mckabe]

I just got mad and kicked it from inside the car untill it opened. Lol part reason im not going to school to be a mechanic anymore, iget to angry and break stuff

[neanderpaul]

I need to make another instructional vid.

[KJ4YXY]

I just got mad and kicked it from inside the car untill it opened. Lol part reason im not going to school to be a mechanic anymore, iget to angry and break stuff

Ha - Thats why I do this stuff relationally (I do the same with my Festiva!)

[bravekozak]

Resuwrecked's thread about power rear lock using an MPV actuator. No kicking required.

[georgeb]

I just got mad and kicked it from inside the car untill it opened. Lol part reason im not going to school to be a mechanic anymore, iget to angry and break stuff

Hope you used your good leg!

[stonemaster]

reviving old thread, I took off the interior panel, pulling the rod doesnt help, I tried to work the latch loose with a big flathead screw driver but hadnt had any luck so far, any pointers ???