Back Hatch Lock

[Jfed]

Well, I had the silver gal out in the driveway and put the key in to unlock the back hatch. Much to my surprise, when I turned the key, the entire lock mechanism came out. Bummer...it is these "little" issues that really bug me as far as AS quality is concerned. Just checking to see if anyone else has had this problem. Just means another phone call to customer service and another trip to the dealer...I guess I should be grateful my dealer is close.......At least the hatch is still locked!

[mefly2]

Yes, ours hasn't worked since new. Fortunately, there is a lock release / engage from the inside of the hatch. It might be cheaper to just drive by a local locksmith as it sounds like it is the retention pin in the lock cylinder - and ask your dealer to reimburse or credit you.

[KristiBear]

When we got our EB the salesman said "You have to lock and unlock it from the inside only" so we thought our broken lock mechanism was a "feature." I kept puzzling over why there was a key for it and a keyhole on the outside if it wasn't meant to work. And it didn't work, just turned freely, with no effect.

When we took it in for other warranty work we questioned the purpose of the keyhole and told him what the salesman had told us, and the service manager was all "No, no no. That should definitely lock and unlock from the outside." And now it does. :-)

[StagrLee]

My problem was different. The outside key lock would only turn a 1/4 turn, not the 1/2 turn required to unlock the rear handle. I took it apart and found a stuck part. I sprayed some dry teflon lube on it and it all works now.

I learned that the inside handle will turn to open/close the rear hatch no matter what the position of the outside key lock is in (good to know). The outside lock only effects weather or not you can use the outside handle. Here is a photo of the sticky part... Takes about 15 minutes to do as there are only 8 phillips head screw to remove the large mechanism panel cover.