91 Legacy - Unable to open tailgate

[Georg]

Hey guys,

 

I got a problem on my 91 Legacy Wagon:

Haven't had any issues on this yet but since this morning I can't open my tailgate anymore.

While pulling the lever it feels quite normal, nothing unusual however it just does'nt release the lock somehow.

 

Any of you guys ran into something like this before?

 

 

Thanks in advance

Georg

[01 Outback]

My 01 does the same thing from time to time. I went and got some WD 40 dry lock lube and sprayed the mechanism and in the key hole. Then I worked the lock both electrically with the button and manually with the key until it started working....

[OLsubedrivr]

My 90 Legacy L wgn got to the point where I had to "break out" of the car. The handle mechanisims, locks in the doors & tail gate got worn and the hatch handle especially. I put almost 300K on that Sube, no garage and lots of sand & snow fun. I pulled the door panels off so I could "tighten" the mechanism etc, same w/ rear hatch cover. In the end I had to  exit out of the rear doors or hatch.

[Bushwick]

Probably sticking at latch where it grabs the striker. Could also have the bar that connects at the assembly loose or became detached, and is no longer operating. Climb in the back hatch area and try and carefully pull the rear panel off the actual hatch, starting at the window area. I'm assuming it's similar to 95-98' wagons. Anyways, if you can get it separated enough to get your hand into the actual hatch, reach down to where the assembly latches onto the striker and see if it'll release by pulling directly on it. Should have an arm that protrudes where the bar connects (assuming the bar is still attached). You'll want to pull/push on that arm while trying to lift the hatch to open. Once open, visually verify if it was just sticking (like say it rusted up from lack of oil) or something loosened. A metal bar just hanging or sitting loose at the bottom of the hatch would be a sign it detached from the handle or the latch assembly.

Edited October 26, 2015 by Bushwick

[Georg]

Oh thanks guys for the input!!

I will check it out on the weekend.

[Bushwick]

There are 2 metal rods; one attaches to the key lock and other runs from inside handle to the latch. You want to grab the one directly behind the exterior handle (again, assuming it's similar to a 95').

 

If the actual lock assembly is loose or seized in the locked position, I suspect that would prevent opening too. If you have power locks, make sure everything is unlocked first then try pushing the latch rod. If you can't get latch to release, try fiddling with the lock's rod.