Randomtask2

iTrader: (1)

Hello I do appreciate any information about how to fix this issue as well. I pretty much yesterday purchased this 1988 firebird for cheap. And the door key or any other key doesn't open the hatch I tried. The door key goes inside the lock. But doesn't turn to the right to unlock it. And this doesn't have a power hatch button. So is there any trick to getting This hatch to pop. Or key cylinder to function. On my 92 I had a similar issue with it being hard to unlock like using a lot of force to get it to unlock with the key. Any information helps. Thank you very much.

ZsTransAm

I would try spraying lubricant into the lock cylinder and tapping lightly on it to disengage the tumblers. If that doesn't work and you really need it open you may have to climb in the back, pull off the trim and try to get it from that side. If I remember correctly you can flip the lock with a flathead screwdriver somehow. Maybe someone else can elaborate on that.

Randomtask2

iTrader: (1)

I'm hoping that's a last case scenario lol but it can be done. I just was seeing if there was like a emergency latch. Like the corvette with the pressure switch. When the battery fails there is a emergency latch as a fail safe. Looks like gm didn't think of that lol

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

FWIW, do the keys you got with the car open the T Tops??if yes,that's the key that opens the Hatch.(there the same Key,I know they could have been changed at some point in time).Do any of the keys open the top??If not, the seller may have given you the wrong keys. If it were me, I would just call a locksmith.

lonsal

iTrader: (2)

Crawling into the back is one solution. I think you'll have to carve a hole into the rear hatch surround trim panel to access the 10mm screw that is holding the solenoid latch release or manual latch release. Once you have that off there is a square shaped window that will be exposed. Move the tang inside that window to the left to rotate it CCW to unlatch the hatch. You'll then need to find a replacement trim panel.

Another method you can try is to use a sawzall with a long metal cutting blade. Wedge the hatch as far open as you can GENTLY. Then cut the hatch hook from the outside of the rear of the car. A hatch hook is a lot easier to replace at a Pick-a-Part yard than the trim panel.

Once you have it open you may discover that the lock cylinder is junk and needs to be replaced or the other locks have been swapped and this one uses a different key.

I've never thought about it previously, but you COULD add an emergency hatch release by drilling a small hole in that same tang I described and inserting a piece of fishing line and feeding it down to stick out just below the bottom of the rear hatch trim panel.

Lon

jharrison5

I find it odd that a '92 Firebird wouldn't have a release switch on the dash. There should be a button on the lower right portion of the dash under the center hvac vent.

I had the same sort of issue with my '87 IROC, but mine was related to lack of power to the solenoid and that the previous owner didn't have any door keys to the car. I just took the driver's side door lock out and had a local locksmith make me a set of keys to the car.

Randomtask2

iTrader: (1)

It's an 88 firebird. It's gonna rain shortly so until tommorow. I had a 92 formula in the past it had the hatch Pop button above the hvac. I wonder if it's expensive to call a locksmith lol.

Randomtask2

iTrader: (1)

Ok i have 3 door keys. 1 for the doors 1 for the t tops. And the third doesn't open anything. the t top key doesn't even go into the hatch lock fully. So I am very confused. The door key is the only one that goes into the hatch. I will probably end up calling the locksmith. Lol

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

Probably changed at some point, the door,T Top and hatch are the same keys.I'd call a Locksmith before I would tare my car apart

Randomtask2

iTrader: (1)

I called a locksmith. He said put some pb blaster in it. And let it soak. Then try it. He said the tumblers are prolly frozen

alex722607

iTrader: (3)

If all else fails, you might have to cut open the trim panel in the back. From what you said about one of the keys not being able to go in all the way, that lock might be a lost cause entirely

After you get it open, I suggest you replace every single lock with gm replacements. .... and so its all keyed the same

Randomtask2

iTrader: (1)

Ok the way I explained it is. 3 keys 1 for the doors which that same key goes all the way into the hatch beautifully but it doesn't turn to the right to unlock. And 1 key for the t tops. So the t tops were replaced. But it is the right key it just doesn't turn. To unlock it I guess it's frozen. And the last key I have no clue. Lol maybe it's for the compartment for the storage in the hatch lol

jharrison5

I guess another option is to drill the hatch lock out and then buy a new one. You can buy all new cylinders or take all the cylinders to a locksmith and have them keyed the same as the doors. It cost me $25 to have my keys made and all he had to go off of was the driver's side cylinder.

stealtht/a

iTrader: (1)

Really try the locksmith first. These locks are really basic. Child's play for a locksmith, they can make a correct key, fix the lock, etc very easily.

lonsal

iTrader: (2)

I agree. On my 88 Firebird the door key was so worn it would ONLY open the driver's door. It would not open the passenger door or hatch. I took it to a locksmith and he made me a new key by guessing on how much additional material to add for the worn teeth. It took 3 tries, but it worked and I now have a functional key for all the locks including the t-tops.

Lon

Randomtask2

iTrader: (1)

Ok I will call the locksmith again but he said something about taking the entire key cylinder out to do this for the hatch. So I don't know if he was just trying to blow off the job or being for real.