key doesn't unlock rear hatch
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 110
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From: the 9o5
Car: '89 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
key doesn't unlock rear hatch
Hey guys,
so my key unlocks both doors but it doesn't unlock my rear hatch.
the key slips in just fine and you can almost feel all of the tumblers settle into place but IT WILL NOT TURN
me and another guy on here figured that it must be seized up or something so I've put WD-40 a few times and we tried that at his place too and nothing happened
any ideas on how I can go about fixing this?
so my key unlocks both doors but it doesn't unlock my rear hatch.
the key slips in just fine and you can almost feel all of the tumblers settle into place but IT WILL NOT TURN
me and another guy on here figured that it must be seized up or something so I've put WD-40 a few times and we tried that at his place too and nothing happened
any ideas on how I can go about fixing this?
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,591
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From: WI.
Car: 1987 iroc
Engine: 383 TPIS intake, Dyno Don headers
Transmission: 700R4 w/Pro-built Auto/transgo 2-3
Axle/Gears: 3.27/3.70 borg warner 9 bolt
Re: key doesn't unlock rear hatch
Sounds like someone changed the lock on the hatch? Has the key ever unlocked the hatch, or are you just finding out now?
Supreme Member
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,928
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From: Georgetown TX
Car: Base 91 'bird
Engine: 3.1 v6
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt 3.27 & PBR
Re: key doesn't unlock rear hatch
Mine only works if the key is at a certain angle even though it feels like it's ok. Extra security! When you turn the key it pulls a cable that actuates the latch mechanism. That mechanism may be what's jammed. Any movement at all in the lock cylinder? You may need to crawl in the back to release it before you can pin down what's wrong.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: the 9o5
Car: '89 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: key doesn't unlock rear hatch
it's been like this since the day I bought it from the 2nd owner...
the keys have never unlocked the hatch... they're are the original keys and the spare set of keys are original and none of them work
it does have the remote hatch release inside the car and I've been opening it like that ever since but that button doesn't always work
there is no movement in the lock cylinder at all.
I will try the angle thing but I'm doubtful haha
if that doesn't work then I guess I'll be pulling that cover off to look for the latch to see if thats stuck
the keys have never unlocked the hatch... they're are the original keys and the spare set of keys are original and none of them work
it does have the remote hatch release inside the car and I've been opening it like that ever since but that button doesn't always work

Mine only works if the key is at a certain angle even though it feels like it's ok. Extra security! When you turn the key it pulls a cable that actuates the latch mechanism. That mechanism may be what's jammed. Any movement at all in the lock cylinder? You may need to crawl in the back to release it before you can pin down what's wrong.
I will try the angle thing but I'm doubtful haha
if that doesn't work then I guess I'll be pulling that cover off to look for the latch to see if thats stuck
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 627
Likes: 1
From: Glendale, CA
Car: 1992 RS
Engine: LS1
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: key doesn't unlock rear hatch
I have the same problem on my 91. The key used to work fine but now it only works 1% of the time. It doesn't turn when I put it in. Every now and then it will work.
Last edited by thegooseman; Dec 15, 2011 at 09:08 PM. Reason: Didn't proofread. lol
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 529
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From: Rapid City, SD
Car: '83 z/28
Engine: 305
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: Stock?
Re: key doesn't unlock rear hatch
I didn't have a key for mine, I just drilled out the lock cylinder so that I could open the hatch (don't have release botton). Open the hatch. that interior panel that covers the latch area. Take that out, and just look at the assembly, after you get that cover off, it takes about 2 seconds to remove the lock cylinder.
New ones are about 16 bucks with a key.
New ones are about 16 bucks with a key.
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