stuck hatch latch

[CaptStan]

Hi All My problem is that when I closed the hatch the latch handel was sticking out and still is. The Hatch is latched closed and I can't find a way to release it. all of the fastners involved with its assembly are inacessable with the hatch closed. There is an access plug into the latch area on the inside of the car but I can't see what it accesses, blindly poking around didn't reveal any release. At this point the only solution that I can see is to saw through the latch striker bale that is barly visible from inside the car. I only want to try that as a last resort.
Thanks for any usefull sugestions
Stan

[CREWZIN]

Just took a close look at mine. Your right about that access hole. I took the plug out but didn't see anything that might help. How about the key release right above the latch? Does it do anything when you put the key in and turn it? Do you have a remote control? Does it release anything on the second push of the button? Try slamming on the hatch and the latch at the same time to get the latch to close. Another person turning the key and hitting the latch to try and close it. Just suggesting things that might help.

[CaptStan]

Yea I tried pushing the hatch closed and working both the key and handel pressing the electric unlock button inside etc. Where I am really kicking myself is that the first time I tried to close it, it didn't latch and I looked at it clicked the hook open and closed with a pen and the offending handel which even though it was staying lifted, seemed like it was still releasing, then closed it. It would be soooo much easier to repair if the hatch where still open. Just goes to show you what happens when you get in a hurry. worst part is I am in the process of moving an not having the hatch usable sucks. At least I had already removed the seats. Unfortunatly the rear shelf is in and is pretty solid with the hatch closed.
I am wondering if the dealer will let me look at an uninstaled latch to see how an emergency release through the hole might work


Stan

[CREWZIN]

He might, or maybe one of the mechanics at the dealer knows a way of opening it. Do you have a salvage yard in your area that lets you walk around and get your own parts? Maybe yo can find a wrecked PT and work with the hatch on it.

[CaptStan]

Good Sudjestion I considered it but the salvage yard is a 2 hr drive.
In the past the only reply I ever got from the dealer was make an apointment and we will look at it for $110 an Hr.

In the mean time I sprayed some WD 40 through the plug hole inside, waited several Hrs then pushed on the handel harder than I was comfortable with and it reset and unlatched I moved it back and forth a few times and it got a little eaiser each time.
So now that it is open I can at least get to it to do whatever is nessesary.
It has rained a lot the last few days so it might have rusted ? It seemed fine two days ago though. The car has electronic corosion control, I have never seen rust on any thing else. On the other hand this is Hawaii and most cars rust away before they break down mechanicaly.
Thanks for the sudjestions

[CREWZIN]

Glad you got it working.

[bobs turbo pt]

glad you got it fixed !!