Fix broken rear hatch handle

Try to get it open by pulling the hatch lanel off from inside the vehicle and pulling on latch rod. Usually hatches dont open with handle due to diconnected rods or broken release cables. Also, you can use your key fob to open hatch( if equipped)

You can get it open in two ways: By using your key fob and remotely opening latch or by pulling inside panel on rear hatch and manually pulling lever to get latch to release. Most times when you cant get rear hatch to open normally is because cable from outside release handle to latch broke. Have cable and release mechanism inspected and replace worn or broken parts as needed.

My Envoy does that too. I figured out the unlock automatic setting on my keys had to be pushed twice!

The clip that retains the release rod in the rear hatch assy. Breaks and allows the rod to fall off. You need to remove the handle from the inside of the hatch. You can pick the plugs out of the handle with a small screwdriver with a small screwdriver, and then remove the handle with a 10mm socket. After removing the handle you should be able to pull back the plastic and look inside with a flash light. Locate the rod that runs to the side that is inop. You should be able to reach in with a screw driver and pull it toward you to release it. Make sure you have already released the working side so it will open for you. Once the hatch is open, you can continue to remove the rest of the plastic trim on the hatch with a phillips head screw driver. After the trim is removed, you will need to re-attach the rod to the mechanism with the clip on the mechanism. If the clip is broken you will need to obtain a new one from a local dealer, or parts supplier. If you have to order a clip, attach a piece of wire, or string to the rod so you can release it from the inside while you are waiting for the new retainer.

before you pull stuff, go to the back of the car. Instead of pulling the latch (away from the car and towards you) to open the hatch, push the lever in the other direction (towards the car, away from you).

i had this happen to me and read about it online, worked totally fine. It's just stuck towards you and not "sitting" correctly. Hope it works!

This happened to me, I removed the interior light fixture on the rear hatch and reached in to pull the connecting rod, this works for an one off opening, you will need to take the panel off once the hatch is open and repair your outer handle, our connection was broken at the handle which I repaired and it works great. Hope this helps.

It sounds like the handle has become disconnected from the mechanism. You will have to remove the inner door panel and reattch. It is not a complicated or difficult job but if you get a professional it could cost upwards of $100.

2000 ford explorer back hatch handle loose door locked The linkage on the back hatch came unfastened and the handle was loose. Ford uses plastic fastener clips over perfectly good threads to hold this together. The outdoor plastic handle is only conected to the car with two aluminum ribets. One was already missing on mine. But if you just want to open the door, you can rip the handle off and pull it out. hopefully you won't crack the plastic. You can see the linkage screw hanging as you look up through the left hole. Grab it with a plyers and apply a steady force down. This will open the hatch. I just rigged up a different handle and put a nut on the treads to hold it together. This can all be done without tearing appart the interier and may only take 20 minutes. I used a rope and handle from the garage opener, a medium size washer and a nut. First make a small loop, with a small hole to slide over the linkage screw, then the washer, then the nut. Slide the other end of rope through the handle, move the handle very close to the vehicle and tie the not close. Trim the rope and wala ... the hatch works. Or you can pay $300.00+ to have it fixed with the clip.

We had the same problem.
I took out the bolts outside, then crawled into the back area of the car, and took a screw driver, and slid it along the inner hatch catch, and found the safety latch and released the hatch. Then I took the inside off, and disconnected the handle device from the inside. It was rusted, and broken. I went to Kia, and bought a new one and reinstalled, after greasing the new one up. Took me a while, but they wanted 280.00 in labor, so it was well worth it.
Just be patient and go slow. A good metric socket set will be the best thing, with a regular and phillips screw driver.
Good luck
David

you remove the handle in the center of the rear hatch. if you look closely you will see two small snap covers that hide two screws.once you do this you will see a small bar that is actuated by the solenoid from the switch. try the switch to see what way the smalll bar inside moves the use a screwdriver to complete the disconnection. hope this helps.