hatch won't open
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 118
Likes: 30
From: a mountain in Jasper
hatch won't open
The hatch on my 2003 will not unlock. The key, key fob and door switch all function but the hatch won't unlock. I can see the end of the locking rod when I look behind the outside latch. I can grab it but I can't get the leverage or space to force the rod to manually manipulate the lock. And with the hatch stuck closed, i can't get the interior panel off. Is there a way to unlock the hatch with it still closed?
Thanks for any help yall can provide.
Thanks for any help yall can provide.
FTE NC Chapter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,978
Likes: 68
From: Coastal NC
There is some info that may be helpful in the tech folder.
Some folks have been able to access the actuator by removing the interior handle on the liftgate, then popping off the trim around the doors and using various picks, etc to manipulate the rods to get it open.
I'd read through those various threads to see if you can glean any relevant info for your situation.
I'd guess most everyone in here at one time has had a "stuck" hatch that just won't open. Requires a little force to pop the seal. Not saying that is your issue but it sure can be a pain when it decides to stick.
Keep us posted.
Some folks have been able to access the actuator by removing the interior handle on the liftgate, then popping off the trim around the doors and using various picks, etc to manipulate the rods to get it open.
I'd read through those various threads to see if you can glean any relevant info for your situation.
I'd guess most everyone in here at one time has had a "stuck" hatch that just won't open. Requires a little force to pop the seal. Not saying that is your issue but it sure can be a pain when it decides to stick.
Keep us posted.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 112
Likes: 4
Something similar happened to me the other day. I had to push the hatch open from inside the truck while my girlfriend lifted the latch. I think the problem happened because the hatch wasn't fully closed prior to the problem. It resumed working correctly after I closed it properly. Also, it was at this time that the "door ajar" light appeared. It went out after we popped open the hatch and closed it properly.
Last edited by George in NH; Today at 07:14 AM. Reason: added info.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 1,598
Likes: 939
You "should" be able to remove the two Torx screws holding the interior handle on and pop that panel off. The only thing that holds that interior panel is those two torx screw and some clips. The reason I say "should" is because I've never tried it with the hatch still shut.
But once that interior panel is removed you'll have access to the latch and lock mechanisms .
...
But once that interior panel is removed you'll have access to the latch and lock mechanisms .
...
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