1997 outback. Problem accessing hatch

[Phil Marshall]

Hi all:

I can't open the rear hatch on our Outback. This happened before
about two years ago. We took it in to the dealer and they "fixed it"
by lubricating the linkage inside the door.

I can't figure out the correct way to remove the plastic panel inside
the car. Do you just pull hard up on the panel, or do I need to pop
out those 'Ribbet' like plastic caps. And will they break and need to
be replaced afterward?

THANKS,

~~Phil~~

 

[Victor Roberts]

Hi all:

I can't open the rear hatch on our Outback. This happened before
about two years ago. We took it in to the dealer and they "fixed it"
by lubricating the linkage inside the door.

I can't figure out the correct way to remove the plastic panel inside
the car. Do you just pull hard up on the panel, or do I need to pop
out those 'Ribbet' like plastic caps. And will they break and need to
be replaced afterward?

THANKS,

~~Phil~~

I have had problems opening the hatch on my 97 OBW if it was
not closed completely. If this is the problem it can be
forced closed by bumping it hard with your own rear end

I have at other times the spring could not return the
mechanism to the proper position due to rust on the hinge
pins of the external release handle. These pins can be
lubricated from outside the car. I have never need to
lubricate any part of the latch mechanism that was inside
the hatch.

 

[kaplan3jiim]

Most likely same mechanism on the 97 Brighton. Mine won't unlock
sometimes, but usually turning the key back and from lock to unlock,
and simultaneously playing with the handle - its never failed.
Sometimes some WD-40 just on the outside (as per first response) makes
it better for a while, but I'm just content with jiggling the key and
latch. Again...its never failed after a couple times.

Jim

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Most likely same mechanism on the 97 Brighton. Mine won't unlock
sometimes, but usually turning the key back and from lock to unlock,
and simultaneously playing with the handle - its never failed.
Sometimes some WD-40 just on the outside (as per first response) makes
it better for a while, but I'm just content with jiggling the key and
latch. Again...its never failed after a couple times.

Jim

IIRC some of these problems on soob hatches require you to push IN on
the release handle first.

not sure - try a search at www.usmb.net

Carl

 

[kaplan3jiim]

IIRC some of these problems on soob hatches require you to push IN on
the release handle first.

yes. i think what usually works for me is pushing it in while turning
the key to the lock position, then unlocking & pulling.

 

[Phil Marshall]

Hi all:

Most likely same mechanism on the 97 Brighton. Mine won't unlock
sometimes, but usually turning the key back and from lock to unlock,
and simultaneously playing with the handle - its never failed.
Sometimes some WD-40 just on the outside (as per first response) makes
it better for a while, but I'm just content with jiggling the key and
latch. Again...its never failed after a couple times.

Jim

Thanks, I finally got it open. I used the key in the hatch and tried
locking-unlocking it several times. Then while holding the key in the
full unlock position I pulled on the handle and it OPENED. !!

The car is 98% rust free, but man-o-man has that hatch handle assembly
rusted apart !!