Rear gate won't open

[telemachus]

Anyone had success or experience with fixing rear gate lock? My handle has been getting progressively rustier and has gotten to the point where I can't get the gate open at all. I'm looking for an indication of how easy this will be to fix. Any experience? Thanks!

[Guest jclay]

i had the exact same problem just yestarday, my handle started to wear out, then stick, then one day just stopped opening. I had to crawl into the back hatch, pull off the plastic interior trim piece (lower section) to access the latch assembly. once there, you can try to lube the whole assembly, but on mine, the linkage between the rod that is pulled up by the handle and the part that actually releases the latch was broken. it seemed that a metal part that had connected two pieces had broken off. i rigged a string to the mechanism that i can pull from the inside if i need to open my hatch, at least until i can get to a JY for a replacement. after the rods connecting to the handle and the lock are removed, the assembly is just three bolts and a wire harness to remove.

 

if you crawl inside, and have someone on the outside operate the handle, you'll see exactly what the handle moves, and what it should be connected to. (the pieces in question, at least on mine, were gold colored metal, part of which had a slot in it)

 

i hope this helps and that it wasn't too long or confusing. if you need any clarification, i will try to provide. if you provide an email address, i'll send you my cell no. and talk you through the procedure.

 

 

jared

[Commuter]

What vehicle do you have?

 

There is a thread around where I posted about replacing the metal strip that the handle and license plate lights attach to on the hatch of a 97 OB. You get at the entire "hatch latch" mechanism as part of doing this.

 

Frag has also posted valuable info on how to deal with sticking lift gates. One hint... push "in" on the hatch as you try to activate the handle.

 

Commuter

[ScoobySchmitty]

I had this happen on my 91 Legacy. I had to do what jclay said, pull the trim, mess with the linkage, etc. The main problem was that the springs that pop the handle back to rest were so rusted that the RUST ITSELF was overcoming the spring tension! En Ingles: When I pulled the handle, it would stick in place! Finally I got some penetrating oil, lubed up the springs, and now the handle works just like new! Try this out, see if it works for u.

[simpreza2]

What vehicle do you have?

 

There is a thread around where I posted about replacing the metal strip that the handle and license plate lights attach to on the hatch of a 97 OB. You get at the entire "hatch latch" mechanism as part of doing this.

 

Frag has also posted valuable info on how to deal with sticking lift gates. One hint... push "in" on the hatch as you try to activate the handle.

 

Commuter

Can you post the link to the thread? Im having problems with my latch rusting and it not wanting to open all the time.

 

Thanks Jon

[spideyz]

I guess all you guys from the places that have snow get a lot more rust than we do here in sunny California? Hopefully I'll never have this type of problem with my recently aquired 94 legacy. But if I ever do, I'll know who to turn to.

 

Keith

[Commuter]

Can you post the link to the thread? Im having problems with my latch rusting and it not wanting to open all the time.

 

Thanks Jon

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2513&highlight=hatch+latch

 

Here you go.

 

Commuter