Tried to open rear hatch, and nothing. Went straight to my trusty forum, saw write ups on total elec failure, motor failure, bad wires, resetting ecu, etc. but not much about getting the hatch open, so here goes:

I opened the little trap door from inside, looking for some kind of mechanism that will allow me to open the hatch. You have to cut through the plastic film, the lever is hidden under a white plastic cover. The left section comes off easily with no tools, by simply sliding it up. Then you can squeeze the latch assembly, which looks like a pair of scissors, squeeze them closed, and voila! open hatch! Then I closed it GENTLY, the elec motor grabbed it and pulled it closed Tried the outside handle, and it worked! So it was just off a bit, or something. I was expecting to be replacing a motor, so I am super pleased! Unplugging the neg battery cable may have worked too, not sure. Don't let your friends slam the hatch, tell them its electric!

6/12 UPDATE: Next time I went to open the hatch, it didn't work After studying T4r forums, purchased new rear lock actuator at stealorship. They quoted $250, but when I mentioned I saw it for less online, they charged me $230. One of the easiest replacements I have ever done. Lift hatch, remove strap and plastic door panel, remove the plastic film and the black plastic piece covering the latch mechanism, remove the 3 10mm bolts, and one on the side, unclip the bar directly in front of you, unplug the elec connection, and it comes right out. The new one goes in the same way, and it seems they've added some foam padding where it meets the metal door frame, and a string on the lever to make it easier to open the next time it fails, I left it tucked inside the 3x3 square trap door. Hatch is working again!

True story! I snap on everyone that slams my hatch (or my doors).

Good information, too. Thanks!

So it's actually not good to shut the hatch to where the electric motor doesn't have to retract it? ( not slamming it but firm enough to not need it to be retracted)