First problem with my car (re: door latches)

[curtis]

I have had my car since May and have just experienced my first problem. My back hatch wont open due to the issue with my left side latch, it won't unlatch! Anyone have this problem?

[Fredvon4]

You talking the swing DOWN tail gate???

First reach in and try to solidly close your plastic interior hatch storage cover

The push in firmly on the out side of the lower gate with your palms as you slide each left and right release lever out ward with your fingers

Mine has hosed up a few times but eventually I got it opened

[curtis]

yeah, the wing down hatch. Will try your suggestion, thanks. Another tailgate issue I had was my battery died with my jumper cables in the plastic hatch, without power I couldn't open back window so I couldn't open back tailgate and hatch, any help w/ this one?

[EdwardDennis]

Originally Posted by curtis

yeah, the wing down hatch. Will try your suggestion, thanks. Another tailgate issue I had was my battery died with my jumper cables in the plastic hatch, without power I couldn't open back window so I couldn't open back tailgate and hatch, any help w/ this one?

Good one.

You can manually unlock the driver's door, open the passenger door from the inside-- which allows you access to the battery storage area for a jump. (It appears that you'll be using someone else's cables to jump your car to provide power to open the hatch and access your own cables.) Do-able, but inconvenient.

Personally, I have an AAA subscription for my cars, so it's not a big deal.

[SmartDigger]

That is good to know. I was planning on putting mine there

[JD10367]

Wait, I'm confused. Does the tailgate swing up, or down? Or both? And if you can't open the tailgate without electrical power, that's kinda dumb. Or can you only not open it downwards because the window's up? If you can open it upwards, like a regular hatchback, can't you just reach up and open the compartment (albeit everything would fall out, LOL)?

[JPaul]

Originally Posted by JD10367

Wait, I'm confused. Does the tailgate swing up, or down? Or both? And if you can't open the tailgate without electrical power, that's kinda dumb. Or can you only not open it downwards because the window's up? If you can open it upwards, like a regular hatchback, can't you just reach up and open the compartment (albeit everything would fall out, LOL)?

The upper part, the window, opens upward and is only electrically released. There is no access to the latch from within, it can be opened from the tailgate "hidden" handle relay or the fob.
The lower part, the tailgate, opens downward.
You may want to see it for yourself next time you touch a smart...