Outback wagon rear hatch won't open

[peigner]

the rear hatch on my 98 outback wagon is stuck shut. I can hear the lock move when I use the key or the power lock button, but it will not open. Any help?

 

[Dominic Richens]

the rear hatch on my 98 outback wagon is stuck shut. I can hear the
lock move when I use the key or the power lock button, but it will
not open. Any help?

I had that happen once. I crawled in and flipped up the access flap behind
the key mechanism and pushed it all the way towards unlock by hand and it
seemed to do the trick. I think it happens when the mechanism is locked,
but you have your hand on the handle as it shuts....not sure, never bothered
to try to reproduce it.

 

[FFF]

the rear hatch on my 98 outback wagon is stuck shut. I can hear the lock move
when I use the key or the power lock button, but it will not open. Any help?

Maybe because the rear handle/license plate illumination assembly is corroded
beyond recognition and the handle is stuck? Happened on both my Legacies.

florian

 

[Gilles Gour]

I had that happen once. I crawled in and flipped up the access flap behind
the key mechanism and pushed it all the way towards unlock by hand and it
seemed to do the trick. I think it happens when the mechanism is locked,
but you have your hand on the handle as it shuts....not sure, never bothered
to try to reproduce it.

Mine did the same and antirust lubrication solved the problem.
In the meantime, do this: lock the hatch with key, push the handle fully
toward the car, unlock, pull on the handle. It should work.
Corrosion of the handle's pivot points prevents the spring from getting
the handle back toward the car, unlocking only slides a lever in front
of the handle mechanism which in turn catches this lever when you pull
on it. When the handle stays pulled the lever slides BEHIND the handle
mechanism and it does'nt catch anything when you pull on it.

 

[Phil Marshall]

the rear hatch on my 98 outback wagon is stuck shut. I can hear the lock
move when I use the key or the power lock button, but it will not open.
Any help?

We have the same problem. '97 Outback. Soon after buying the car the
handle assemble was totally rusted out. Replaced under warrenty.
Now for the past couple weeks the handle release will sometimes work,
sometimes not. When it doesn't and you try to pull on the handle it
just 'gives'. No resistance, as if it isn't engaging any release
mechanism....

 

[Manuel Freitas]

the rear hatch on my 98 outback wagon is stuck shut. I can hear the lock move when I use the key or the power lock button, but it will not open. Any help?

It happened to me too. Just unlock it, then open the little door that
gives access to the tail light, and yank on the metal rod. That should
open the door. Then spray the lock with WD40. It should be good for
another 6 months at which point you'll have to repeat the process

- Manuel.