I need to figure out how to open the inside rear cargo area now that my latch decided to break. I can lift the handle, but the part that is underneath where the latch disengages appears to be broke. I can see a spring floating around in there, so I assume a plastic piece broke. I dont want to break the entire thing by forcing it as I know I am going to have to buy a few replacement parts already.

Any insight here? Besides just prying it up and breaking something else?

Thanks.

 

Which cargo hatch you refering to, For the rear hatchback You might be able to see a small rod dangling in there as well where the handle I'm not familiar with how these are put together just yet, but if there is a small rod then you can either push or pull on that otherwise you may have to climb through and try to remove interior moldings to get to the latch. for the one built in the floor my handle is broke i was able to pry up gently and it came open.

 

he means the hatch like back door not the storage area... i would suggest removing what molding you can... you might have to break some of it to get at it but it would be cheeper to replace that than to replace a F'd up door

 

The part I am referring to is the inside cargo area. Not the hatchback. Sorry for any confusion.

 

Should be able to take a cabinet screw driver or something and push back on the latch under the handle, it just slides back and forth, the latch itself is probly bad and you should be able to pick one up at junkyard cheap. Mine is just plastic

 

I tried to slide it with a screw driver and a flexible screwdriver. No go with either. It is killing me how easy this should be.

 

oh ok... my bad... you dont have a 3rd row then

 

I do have the third row. It is behind the third row on the floor where the jack is stowed. The 2002 put it there.

 

Mines a 2000 with third row seat and the little storage in the back. Your gonna have to pull the handle off itself to get down to the latching mechanism. Then you'll see exactly how it works.

 

oh huh... ok... i have that as well but i dont think mine has a locking mechanism... hmmm ill have to check... i would getting something thin and felible yet stiff... and try to push it