'94 back hatch

[iams1234]

My dad just bought a '94 xlt and the rear hatch wont open. the handle will turn to release the glass but wont turn the other way to release the hatch. also when you lock the doors the hatch lock wont go down it moves very little then return to original spot. Any ideas on how to release the hatch so I can look at the latch mechinism? Thanks

 

[Rhett]

Your best bet is to crawl inside the rear area, remove the watershield (the vinyl plastic on the inside of the rear hatch) and that is the best way to access the lock and handle mechanism. A Haynes manual will help in this removal.

Or, you may be able to open the glass and remove the watershield that way.

The broken rear hatch handle is a fairly common problem once they get some age on them.

 

[liqhx2]

before you do that try and spray some WD-40 down there and see if it will loosen up first