I just bought a 2000 and the hatch won't open,the key won't turn.Anybody know a way I can get the hatch off or get access to the insides?

 

im asuming it doesnt open with the power locks either?

 

my hatch gets stuck i push on the tailgate next to the handle while i pull the handle.
its weird

 

Try spraying the inside key lock with some WD-40 and then wiggle the key around. Don't turn it too hard or you might break it off inside the lock. It might take some time to work or you might have to spray it a couple of times but you'll get it.

 

thanks guys,I'm still working on it, I was allready spraying pb blaster in it and working the key,no luck yet.

 

I have heated the key kinda hot with a lighter then installed it into the lock to get a little heat on it. Might help?

It works great for frozen locks!

 

Hey man,

This problem is caused by corrosion on the internal mechanism that opens the gate.

Climb into the back through one of the back doors and take a medium length screw driver and pry the plastic molding away from the hatch - it's held in with those metal retaining clips. Work your way from the window on down until you've got enough room to manually move the lever that opens the hatch.

Once you've got the door opened remove the rest of the molding so you can take the sucker apart and get it working smoothly again.

Note: Don't be surprised if a couple of those clips snap in the process!

Have fun!
TVB

 

thanks Vandentr,I was wondering if it could be done that way,I will find out this afternoon

 

Well can't be much help in getting it open but I can tell you that mine has recently started not wanting to release.. I sprayed WD-40 and PB-Blaster and it didn't seem to help much.. I sprayed lithium grease in there and now it seems to be working okay.

 

I know what the problem is.

But before ripping into the door which there are 4 screws at the bottom that would be flexing the plastic molding out I was hopeing to have him try the easy way by freeing the locking mechanism. Lubricant and heat will usually break most things free but depending on the problem depends on the out come. Trying to get to it might be fun!

This would have been the next step. But, thank you for posting the solution to this problem.