slakka said:
Dear N-G
In re above header, got a feeling this is answerable from someone
here please?
Any suggestions guys?
Thanks in advance!!
You've got corrosion in the latch parts...
you'll have to remove the plastic panel to *really* fix it.
Unfortunately, it's awfully hard to do that if you can't get the hatch
open...
Catch 22
What works most of the time:
(don't spray any lubestuff in yet)
If the latch handle is stuck in the "pulled" position, carefully (but
forcefully) whack the hatch with your forearm a few times to try to free
it up and back to the rest position. Sometimes you can "drop-sit" it
with your butt and get better results.
If that doesn't do it, proceed to spraying the latch handle hingepin and
the holes sparingly with some spray lube. WD40 may work, but I've had
better luck with Tri-Flow (or similar Teflon stuff) or PbBlaster.
Let it sit for a couple of hours.
Wiggle the latch handle back and forth a few times. You may get lucky
and it freed up and the hatch opens. If not, repeat the arm/butt
smacking, try the latch handle, wiggle the latch handle again.
"Rinse/repeat/lather". It may take a few tries and shots of lube.
If that doesn't work, take it to a body shop. They'll probably go at it
thru the inside panel from inside the car, so be prepared to unload the
"junk in the trunk" the hard way. They'll probably fix it as well while
they are inside there. They probably won't have to to replace anything
unless the parts are actually rusting away.
If you do get it open, remove the plastic panel and lube all the latch
pieces. Get some rags and hand cleaner, coz it's gonna get greasy!
Don't use the "thin" spray lubes from above, those were intended to soak
in and free things up. Use (sparingly) a spray lithium grease, or most
any thicker motorcycle spray chain lube like BelRay or "chain wax"
A small can of that should be less than $10.
Work the latch pieces back and forth repeatedly to spread the lube. Be
sure to push the "claws" of the latch closed as well and lube them.
Wipe off the excess.
"Been dere, dun dat"