ckeene502

how can i get my rear hatch open on a parts car i bought today!!!
i have no keys, and its a low option car(no cruise even) without the button on the console to open the hatch. could i just drill out the key hole?

xlwhellraiser

iTrader: (1)

First, try your key ( I assume you have another third gen). Than screwdriver it. If that doesn't work I would probably drill it out. However, a screwdriver (flat head) can work miracles if used right!
Good luck.
I hope you are not going to be using the locking mechanism anywhere else.

irocbirdbuilder

if you can pop the cylinder out of it and yank teh inners out you can usally get a small screwdriver into the slot where the rod comes out, pop right open, its been a few years since i've done it but i know it was little to no damage to teh car

1989karr

or you can go through the light in the interior. Pop out the light and i think you have to remove a 10mm bolt that connects the lock to the hatch release (hatch pull down feature equipped car??) Then once that part is off you can turn the thing with a screwdriver. Did it many times n junkyard cars

1982TA

iTrader: (1)

I come across this all the time at junkyards, it's a PITA but if you can crawl into the back seat and remove the rear hatch panel to get to the locking mech, you can stick a flathead screwdriver in the latch to move it over. Have someone outside to pull up on it when you do...I guess if worst comes to wost and you don't need the rear taillight section, bust out the lock. You can stick a screwdriver in from the outside.

Al Hasse

Done this on occasion with my own. Just pop out the cargo light, look inside, a slot is visible on the mechanism. Use a long flathead screwdriver in the slot to operate the mechanism from the cargo bay.