So pretty much the ***** won't open. Is there a way I can get to the release from inside? OR should I simply just break the lock from the outside and just replace it.

BTW names Dan, first post. Any help would be awesome. ty

 

just making sure, does it the have the hatch motor?

 

wheres that? i cant get to the release from the inside. how do i do that?

 

The switch should be on the center console, in between the window switches (assuming you have power windows)

Just push that back and it should open.

 

my car doesn't have a hatch switch. There is a key hole behind the license plate, you turn it and it pops open. Then the motor pulls it back down.

 

ya i hit that switch and all it does is clicks but doesnt pop the hatch

 

I have literally torn apart my hatch motor and re built it because i had the same type of issues. Wouldn't close wouldn't open blah blah blah. So heres the deal you hear a "Click" right? Thats the hatch mechanism releasing the rear hatch. Sounds to me like the motor is shot therefore not slowly releasing the hatch letting it come up. Don't wanna lead you in the wrong direction but, when you hit the hatch button and it clicks, if you walk to the back of the car and push on the hatch does it click again? If it does that means the motor is having an issue. Some camaro's have an emergency release for this check behind your license plate for a key hole. See if turning it manually will pop the hatch.

 

When the hatch fails there are only so many parts that require replacing. Following are the most common failures:
1) motor & housing
2) plastic dr gear
3) nylon slides

Go to www.topdownsolutions and download the instructions for repairing it. They also have all the parts required for the repair.

The BIG MISTAKE people make is SLAMMING the hatch closed. When the parts fail it is impossible to close the hatch completely so don't try slamming it harder because it will not close.

Not rocket science to repair, once you have the instructions.

 

i dont have the key to the trunk. is it the ignition key?

 

All 3rd Gen cars came with two keys ...One for the doors & hatch (round head) and the other
(square head) for the Igintion.