Rear hatch latch stuck

[runner406]

Ok festy addicts my rear latch on my festy parts car i might still toss a motor in is frozen stuck i cant get it to release anyone got any sugguestions on how to open it without trashing the latch itself ?

[georgeb]

I heard that there is something below on the inside that can be activated. I shall go outside and check myself.

[kartracer46]

you can post this in the repair ads for better results, but there is an easy way to get inside and free the lock if you remove the cover on the inside of the hatch. It has probably just partially locked when the hatch was last closed.

[Bert]

Climb in through the front seat. The first time you do this it may be easier to see and do with the back seat folded forward. At the bottom of the hatch door you will find/see/feel an exposed metal tab on the latch. With one finger move it either up or down or slightly sideways (can't remember which) about 1/4 inch and the hatch will either become unlocked or locked. You will still have to open the door from outside. I do this regularly because my keyed lock is seized and every now and again it's handy to be able to secure the entire car. If you're unsure about how this arrangement works take a close look at a latch when the door is open. By the way that lock/unlock tab is on the door and not on the car frame.

[runner406]

Ill look atiton my good festy i thinkni remember the tab ur refering to thanks so much

[KJ4YXY]

Climb in through the front seat. The first time you do this it may be easier to see and do with the back seat folded forward. At the bottom of the hatch door you will find/see/feel an exposed metal tab on the latch. With one finger move it either up or down or slightly sideways (can't remember which) about 1/4 inch and the hatch will either become unlocked or locked. You will still have to open the door from outside. I do this regularly because my keyed lock is seized and every now and again it's handy to be able to secure the entire car. If you're unsure about how this arrangement works take a close look at a latch when the door is open. By the way that lock/unlock tab is on the door and not on the car frame.

This is sort of what is wrong with mine. Except it was stuck on the outside and not realizing it I got it unstuck and closed it and have the same problem - do you know how to fix that to where the lock will not be "seized" anymore?

[WmWatt]

Try lubrication?

[KJ4YXY]

Try lubrication?

I was thinking more that the key hole and door latch might need rebuilt because the latch is covered in oil and PB and lubricants. What do you think?

[gauge_half_inch]

When you take the cover off, you can physically move the lock rod and the handle rod. If the tab was in the unlock position and moved freely. They pushing down on the rod coming down from the handle. I have had my handle some how become misadjusted. Easy fix, if that's the case. The white/clear plastic clip pops open like a clan shell. Just push the handle all the way open, not squeezed, the resnap it.

[KJ4YXY]

When you take the cover off, you can physically move the lock rod and the handle rod. If the tab was in the unlock position and moved freely. They pushing down on the rod coming down from the handle. I have had my handle some how become misadjusted. Easy fix, if that's the case. The white/clear plastic clip pops open like a clan shell. Just push the handle all the way open, not squeezed, the resnap it.

I dis that - I saw both rods and moved the handle rod … that is how I got it in stuck from the open position. now it's stuck obviously because of the lock. It won't work with the key so you have to do it from inside by hand.