Rear hatch will not open?

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

If it won't open, the only thing you can do is remove the trim from the inside (which should be done with the hatch open) so it will be a pain and you won't be able to remove the bottom retainer, so you will have to carefully pull the panel back enough to reach the latch.

First, here are the directions for removal of the trim. Picture 1 correlates with these directions. You will have to ignore step 1 and be careful not to damage the trim.

1. Open the liftgate (1).
2. Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent flat bladed tool, disengage the snap retainers that secure the CHMSL cover panel (2) to the liftgate and remove the cover panel.
3. Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent flat bladed tool, disengage the snap retainers that secure the left and right trim panels (3 and 8) to the liftgate and remove the trim panels.
4. Remove the cover plug (6) and remove the screw (5) that secures the bottom of the lower trim panel (4) to the liftgate.
5. Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent flat bladed tool, disengage the snap retainers that secure the lower trim panel to the liftgate and remove the trim panel.
6. If necessary, remove the liftgate pull cup (7).

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Once you open it, look for the latch linkage (number 2 in picture 2) and see if it is disconnected. If it is, you will have to manually pull it to open the hatch. Note: It could be disconnected at top or bottom. If it is at the bottom, temporally install it on the latch assembly to open.

My guess at this point is either the linkage is disconnected or the handle itself has broken.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

PS: If more than 2 pictures show up, pay attention to the last two. Sorry, some sort of glitch.