Hatch lock on 01 Outack

[MAINIAC XV]

My Latch isn`t working. I can not move the handle up or down and key will not turn. I just sprayed the inside with some Rustlik to see if that will help. Anyone have a similar problem?

 

[MAINIAC XV]

Pic of latch

 

[Chris]

The latch was really stuck on my '99 OBW last year. It took a lot of pb blaster and wd40 in the latch mechanism to get it working again.

 

[inski]

Chris is correct. Eventually they all get crusted with rust. Lube generously, work it in. To get it open make sure the handle is pushed (pursuaded) all the way forward and the hatch is all the way closed, then hit the key fob to unlock and it should pop open. The pivot points of the handles get crusty the most.

 

[MAINIAC XV]

I WD40ed it to death and I still can`t move the outside handle up or down seems to be stuck in the middle. My grandson Jack will be over this afternoon with his mom and my 260 lb. son in law, I`ll have him have a wack at it.

Side note:

The versatility of my Outback never ceases to impress me. A bi-fold door I had on order from Home Depot came in and I figured I`d just tie it to the top rails. Before doing that I removed my headrest and pushed the bi-fold door thru my drivers window opening towards the back and was able to manuver the door inside. Dimensions 16" X 78"

 

[MAINIAC XV]

Problem solved, my son in law climbed into the back and with one finger triped the release and the hatch popped open. I sprayed the inside latch with more wd40 and he worked it free. He to said to use PB blaster because wd40 evaporates too fast. I shall pick some up tomorrow.