Rear Hatch I have a 2001 GTI. A few years ago the rear hatch was damaged and need to be replaced. Now it won't open. You can hear it unlock, but when you pull up on the handle, the handle moves up and the hatch doesn't. How do I remove the inside panel on the hatch?

Yes, you should be able to use the key to unlock the rear hatch of your 2009 Equinox even if the car battery is dead. The lock cylinder for the rear hatch is likely located on the outside of the hatch itself, or it may be located on the door handle. To unlock the hatch with the key, insert the key into the lock cylinder and turn it clockwise. If the key won't turn or the hatch won't open, you may need to wiggle the key or apply more pressure to unlock the hatch. If the key won't go into the lock cylinder at all, it is possible that the lock is frozen or damaged and will need to be repaired or replaced. You may also be able to use the manual release for the rear hatch, which is usually located inside the vehicle, near the driver's side door or on the underside of the dashboard.

remove rear panel and check latch for damage or linkage disconnect --also check electrical connections to other components

Rear hatch is locked or unlocked with a key. (if equipped) • To open the rear hatch, insert the key into the lock, turn it to the unlock position and pull up the rear hatch by pressing the handle (DOOR). You can also lock/unlock the latch (but not release it) with the central door lock system. • If unlocked, the rear hatch can be opened by pressing the handle (DOOR) and pulling the hatch up. • To close the rear hatch, lower and push down the rear hatch firmly. Make sure that the rear hatch is securely latched.

sounds like something may be shorted in your rear hatch switch and when you pushed the button to open it you may have blown a fuse. I would check your fuse and make sure they are all still good. I would also try to look inside the rear hatch and check the wires and see if there is something wrong with one of them.

Remove the inner rear hatch skin, and operate the hatch manually to release it.
Test the locking mechanism again, and check for power.

sounds like the system needs lubricated you'll have to remove door panel to access the rods as well as the lock mechanism clean off an lub check for any bent or loose parts rubbing

1998 Blazer. hatch window lock keeps making a noise. like its trying to unlatch.i open window it stops.

First, on the rear hatch, there is an actuator. On FX, when you close the trunk, it kind of **** the hatch closed all the way. When you press lock on the remote, this same actuator locks it as well.
Now,
1) when you unlock the car from the inside, go back there and press the button to open the hatch door manually, do you here any noises?
2) Close all doors, go back close to the hatch button and using the remote , lock the car and then unlock the car. you should hear a sound from the actuator locking and unlocking the lock on the rear hatch!

If you don't hear this, your actuator is inop.
Next step would be to check the fuses inside the car, on the left bottom driver side, and outside on the battery compartment.
It might be just a fuse.
If all fuses check ok, your actuator is most likely gone! Not ea expensive fix, just time consuming!

NOW, if you can hear the noises, then something is either broken inside the actuator or one of the cables is loose!
Hope that helps.
Also, what year and miles on your fx?

sounds like a blown fuse, open drivers door and look at side of dash, fuse panel is there check fuses

Sounds like the mechanism has come apart inside the hatch itself. Can you open it with the key? Keep in mind when you use the key, you have to leave it turned and in the hatch otherwise it won't open. Had a similar problem on my Golf and had the dealer repair it for me.