Help! Rear Hatch Won't Open

[sparrow47]

I know this is an old thread and its bad etiquette to revive it, but im having the same problems on my 04 vue. Key doesnt turn, trunk isnt opening.

I had an idea though... Would someone be willing to verify if, with those 2 screws you cant get off without opening the trunk removed, you can then remove the trunk trim panel with the door closed?

Thanks, much appreciated...

[far2grumpy]

Originally Posted by sparrow47

I know this is an old thread and its bad etiquette to revive it, but im having the same problems on my 04 vue. Key doesnt turn, trunk isnt opening.

I had an idea though... Would someone be willing to verify if, with those 2 screws you cant get off without opening the trunk removed, you can then remove the trunk trim panel with the door closed?

Thanks, much appreciated...

sparrow47 - chainsaw - dynamite - or this super idea from Termite:

http://saturnfans3.saturnfans.com/~s...h+won%27t+open

[pburress]

I thought I'd chime in with my solution. The problem was the latch actuator stopped working so I could not open it. Since I play the upright bass, that's a problem! Recently it's been flaky, working sometimes, but last week it stopped working altogether. After reading this forum I guessed that the actuator was bad and being a cheapskate, I ordered a used working actuator from ebay- $35.00. Today I drilled this hole using a hole saw bit, and the black lever to unlock it is right inside there- flipped the lever with a finger and it was unlocked. Replacing the actuator is a simple removal and replacement. The replacement actuator works like a champ. I can get a round plug at the hardware store to cover the hole.

Hope this helps. Note that the picture is taken from the inside, with hatch closed.