rear hatch lock/latch

[astrohog]

Hi guys!

I visited my Z at storage the other day to charge the battery and to start getting excited about bringing her home to start my "spring cleaning" and to formulate a "to do" list for this year.

When I closed the rear hatch, I could not get it open again. The button feels the same as it always has and I tried to jiggle,wiggle, insert key,lock,unlock etc. I could not get it open again!!

The button depresses, and I can turn the key to lock and unlock it, it just won't unlatch to open.

Anyone else ever had this issue? Can I access the mechanism from the inside? If so, where do I start?

Thanks for any help you may have!!

BTW, it is a 12/70 series 1

Regards,

Astrohog

[Arne]

Yes, if you remove the inside trim panel from the hatch you can get to the latch mechanism and probably open it. It's a pain, but can be done.

In my experience, this problem is most frequently caused by the button lock, not the latch itself.

[racebird1]

When you get that panel off there is a lever that you need to simply push down and it should pop open. when you turn the key you are turning the latch to line up with that lever and when you push the button it is simply pushing in onto that lever. There is a adjuster bolt on the latch I don't see how but maybe something came out of adjustment. Once you get that panel off you should be able to look in there to see what is going on.

[280zzzzz]

I know this is an OLD thread - but for those struggling with this.... remove rear trim panel from inside - I had to pull back carpet and remove the rear hinged floor section to get panel off. Remove lock "C" clip and pull out lock. On my car the hinged mechanism with the springs was the most rusted piece I have come across on the whole car. (I looked on ebay for hatch/latch to get an idea of how the small latch looks / works) a few days of penetrating fluid/oil loosened it up enough to actuate the lever and release the loop attached to the hatch. Reinstalled lock "C" clip , and adjusted - good as new. I has been at least 15 years since I opened up the inner floor hatch - original space saver tyre /tool kit / jack. Hope this may help someone else.... Now I can carry on with my rear end rebuild.

[bartsscooterservice]

It prob came loose from the slamming. Like racebird1 says, it's a simple push down mechanism, you can push the lever down to open the hatch if you remove the panel on the inside.

[280zzzzz]

It prob came loose from the slamming. Like racebird1 says, it's a simple push down mechanism, you can push the lever down to open the hatch if you remove the panel on the inside.

Thanks for the reply re:rear hatch mechanism. My assembly turned out to be THE rustiest thing on the car - removal involved removal of interior and exterior trim panels and eventually a dremel cutting disc. New one looks good on there now ; )