[Venz]

Hi all

My rear hatch is stuck closed. The actuator makes a noise when you click the button but instead of opening it makes a noise again after a few seconds to reclose. I took the plastic interior and vapor barrier off and tried pulling up on the two levers on the actuator manually as some suggest, no luck, damaged my finger pulling so hard. I suspect the culprit is rust but I need to get the door open to take the actuator out and clean it out with penetrant. I sprayed around where I could from the inside with the door closed, maybe it will loosen up overnight.

How else can I get the door open?

Thanks

[Ralph Blake]

Originally Posted by Venz

Hi all

My rear hatch is stuck closed. The actuator makes a noise when you click the button but instead of opening it makes a noise again after a few seconds to reclose. I took the plastic interior and vapor barrier off and tried pulling up on the two levers on the actuator manually as some suggest, no luck, damaged my finger pulling so hard. I suspect the culprit is rust but I need to get the door open to take the actuator out and clean it out with penetrant. I sprayed around where I could from the inside with the door closed, maybe it will loosen up overnight.

How else can I get the door open?

Thanks

Here is a list of videos that might help you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moJ2Qg24mDo

[weberlukas74]

Maybe, also you could apply penetrating oil directly on the latch from both sides of the hatch. Leave it for a while to break up any rust or dirt.
Or, try warming up the latch with a hairdryer or heat gun.

[SocalSam]

You have a corroded catch ring which is not releasing latch actuator. Easy fix. Take interior plastic panel off and manually release actuator. Remove catch ring and flip it around to present the clean side to the actuator.

[Venz]

Originally Posted by SocalSam

You have a corroded catch ring which is not releasing latch actuator. Easy fix. Take interior plastic panel off and manually release actuator. Remove catch ring and flip it around to present the clean side to the actuator.

How does one 'manually release actuator'? I tried pulling up on the two levers with my hand and ripped my finger open pulling so hard before anything moved. Is there another way?

Thanks

[SocalSam]

Originally Posted by Venz

How does one 'manually release actuator'? I tried pulling up on the two levers with my hand and ripped my finger open pulling so hard before anything moved. Is there another way?

Thanks

Pull up on smaller lever. Have an assistant push hatch in from the outside to release tension on the latch.

[Venz]

Originally Posted by SocalSam

Pull up on smaller lever. Have an assistant push hatch in from the outside to release tension on the latch.

No luck

[SocalSam]

Originally Posted by Venz

No luck

Not good. Try spraying WD40 with the straw where the latch jaws clamp the catch. Use a claw hammer claw or similar to apply force to the smaller lever. Unfortunately, this may damage the actuator so try at your own risk.

[adammsu]

i had to push DOWN the big lever, and then UP the smaller lever to get mine to manually release

[rumfoord]

I had a similar issue and had to tie the lever in the open position then sat down in the back and kicked the door open from the inside.