The rear hatch lock assembly can become worn from prolonged use and contamination/lack of grease.
First signs are a noisy hatch that will not release with the automatic button left of the steering wheel or the key fob button. The issue tends to progress until the hatch must be released with the door lever/button thing several times before it will let go.
This issue appears to be due to a worn/weak electrical motor that opens and closes the lock. The failing motor will often be accompanied by a noticeable whining noise when the lock is triggered.
Eventually, the lock may stay engaged even after getting it free, which means the hatch will not close. A temporary fix is to use a screwdriver to manually move the locking mechanism into place.
Cleaning and re-greasing the actuator assembly did not resolve my problem, I sourced a lightly used unit for just over $100 and installed it myself resolving the issue, it is not a very difficult or expensive job.
The rear hatch lock assembly can become worn from prolonged use and contamination/lack of grease.
First signs are a noisy hatch that will not release with the automatic button left of the steering wheel or the key fob button. The issue tends to progress until the hatch must be released with the door lever/button thing several times before it will let go.
This issue appears to be due to a worn/weak electrical motor that opens and closes the lock. The failing motor will often be accompanied by a noticeable whining noise when the lock is triggered.
Eventually, the lock may stay engaged even after getting it free, which means the hatch will not close. A temporary fix is to use a screwdriver to manually move the locking mechanism into place.
Cleaning and re-greasing the actuator assembly did not resolve my problem, I sourced a lightly used unit for just over $100 and installed it myself resolving the issue, it is not a very difficult or expensive job.
- David M., Amherst, MA, US