Need a very quick and easy favor... (pic of rear hatch)

[dkyleb]

So, my rear hatch is stuck closed. I have taken off the back panel, and completely ripped apart the locking/actuating mechanism because I believe the latch is seized.


I've looked all over the forums to no avail.

All I need is a picture of the bottom of the rear gate where the mechanism protrudes from the bottom, and a picture of the latch on the floor.


I have literally never had mine open, so I have no idea what it looks like. This will probably aid me in getting it open.

 

[dkyleb]

I was able to find this. Now I just need a picture of what it latches onto. Another picture of above, maybe from a different angle would help!!

 

[mavrick1903]

I could help in the morning if no one has by then.

 

[mavrick1903]

And that ladies and gentlemen is how fast the Internets are. Well played [MENTION=124121]dkyleb[/MENTION]

 

[having fun]

I have literally never had mine open, so I have no idea what it looks like.

:doh:

 

[FI460]

I just did this last week. The little compartment on the left side of the mechanism comes off and you can get at a lever that will open it.

This little guy right here:

 

[having fun]

I'll be nice.

 

[dkyleb]

I just did this last week. The little compartment on the left side of the mechanism comes off and you can get at a lever that will open it.

This little guy right here:

Yup, unfortunately mine is completely seized and no matter what I did, that lever did not open the hatch. I resorted to completely cutting mine apart, trying to get it free. I've spent 4 hours on it tonight. It's soaking in Pb blast + ATF/Acetone right now.

This was it after a couple hours of messing around. I've now completely cut the lever out for better access to the latch.

I hate rust.

 

[FI460]

Holy hell! I'm not sure what you can get at to get it open as an alternative to that lever... Hit it with a hammer? If nothing else you'll feel better after hitting something.

 

[dkyleb]

I am completely baffled as to why this thing isn't opening. I have no other access to the latch except via the rear hatch, visibility and mobility are very limited in there.

 

[jessiener]

I have no other access to the latch except via the rear hatch

 

[dkyleb]

Holy hell! I'm not sure what you can get at to get it open as an alternative to that lever... Hit it with a hammer? If nothing else you'll feel better after hitting something.

Hammer, punch, flathead, dremel, torch. It's all been in there. This is seriously the most I've ever struggled with something so basic. It's unreal.

 

[riceandpho]

have you guys try to hit the unlock and lock button a few times? atleast roll the window down and then back up and then hit the lock and unlock, also use the manual lock with key too.

 

[dkyleb]

have you guys try to hit the unlock and lock button a few times? atleast roll the window down and then back up and then hit the lock and unlock, also use the manual lock with key too.

Tried it all. Tearing the mechanism apart was a last resort. Hoping that soaking it for a few days will help.

 

[TechWrench]

I had the same type of problem with my '03. What i finally did, was to use a flat pry bar (like a wonder bar) to pry (from the inside) against the bottom of the hatch while lifting up on the manual release lever. Once I got it to move a bit, it finally let go and I got the hatch open. Then I was able to remove the rusted latch assy., and replace it.

 

[dkyleb]

I had the same type of problem with my '03. What i finally did, was to use a flat pry bar (like a wonder bar) to pry (from the inside) against the bottom of the hatch while lifting up on the manual release lever. Once I got it to move a bit, it finally let go and I got the hatch open. Then I was able to remove the rusted latch assy., and replace it.

You put the pry bar between the hatch and the floor?

 

[TechWrench]

You put the pry bar between the hatch and the floor?

Yes, on the inside.

 

[dkyleb]

Yes, on the inside.

Not sure why I didn't think of that! I'll try it out when I get back in town.


I'm sure 48 hours soaking in penetrator will help quite a bit too!

 

[dkyleb]

Wooooooohooooo! I couldn't believe it when it finally opened. It took a 24" pry bar, a spare wrench and a whole lot of cutting away at the mechanism.

 

[dkyleb]

RIP TO THIS PIECE OF SHET