just got an s13, hatch seized, need help

[LarryStooge]

I just got an s13 that I'm either fixing up and selling, or keeping to use after my 97 is sold. It's a grey 90 180sx body style. It needs some tlc, but for what I paid for it, I can't complain. Most of the **** is easily fixeable, but the big problem is the hatch, it wont open. It's like completely seized and the lock wont even turn. I know I can replace the entire cylinder, but its a matter of getting the hatch open, so I can get this one out. I don't want to resort to crow bars, etc. Has anyone else had this seizing problem?

[TX240SX]

I haven't had this problem but think you can get to it from the inside. Remove the rear seat, remove the rear trunk pannel and see if you can access the latch. Pain in the *** but that is what projects are all about. Hope this helps and good luck.

[powerdrifter]

try crawling into the trunk area, removing the plastic trim along the top back rim, the removing the two 10mm nuts that hold the latch in place being careful with the release cable, and the hatch should open with the latch on it, but at least know you can get a better look at the whole thing.

[charlotte240]

my parts car has that same problem. What worked for me was to have someone pull up on the hatch while I pulled the release. Came right open.

We couldn't hear the latch click either when we pulled the release.

[powerdrifter]

In this case, you need to adjust the latch by moving it up or down a tiny bit. Be very carful because the sheet metal around the two 10mm nuts where the latch goes mounted to, tends to break easily if abused.