How to open a stuck hatch latch on Gen 2?

Usually on my own nine this happens I reach with one hand hit the rubber button and my finger moves off the rubber button but I'm lifting on the plastic piece to bring the hatch up but it only releases to that point you're talking about where it's loose but not going to let go I have to hit the button again and it holds the latch open it seems like and up it comes so you have to make it one motion you reach under hold the button up while lifting without letting the weight get away from you I'm making you let go of the button before it's off the hasp I guess so you're saying while it's in the loose position if you hit the button again while you're standing there it won't release and let go of the hasp that's interesting

 

Ours has not had this particular problem, but it sounds like it could be due to either something being stuck in the latch or the latch being bent. Either way, it needs to open enough so that further diagnosis is possible, and I believe the latch mechanism comes out from the top. I suggest hooking something thin strong and plastic, like an trim tool under the latch when it is up as far as it can go. Then have one person go in the car and pull the manual release while the other lifts the trunk up and down and/or pushes it gently to one side or the other.

If that doesn't work, try looking in at the latch through the manual lever "window", using mirrors, flashlights, or a borescope while the other person lifts. Perhaps you will be able to see where it is hanging up.

Once the hatch is open the lock mechanism can be tested using a carabiner which is close to the size of the metal loop on the bottom of the hatch. I use one of these to tie down the hatch and the carabiner locks in and releases just like the hatch loop. In this case it has the advantage that the hatch is not in the way at all.

 

All I'm asking is when you initially push the button and you get the latch to come up to the first detent when you push the button again do you hear the latch actually clicking I know you're pushing the button but is the latch actually unlocking letting the unit open so you can get it off the half or the catch maybe the button is messed up I don't know how the car once where if I push the button multiple times it would stop working and go quiet I guess it got hot then it cool down and it would work again or I could hear the clicking when I push the rubber button did it too many times something seem like it got hot and it would stop making the clicking soon as it cool down it seemed to work again that's why I'm asking if when you push the button the second time if you had a plastic trim tool or even a small metal pry bar under the lip of the hatch and as you push the button and it clicks you gently push down on your pry bar will that release and force the hatch up not really forced but help assist it.

 

I suppose there is also a slight chance that the rubber seal has somehow glued itself to the other side. The might happen if it was coated with some rubber treatment product that made the whole thing sticky. If this was the issue then applying a great deal of force upward - on the metal of the hatch, not the plastic near the release button, might break it free. If the problem is in the latch, metal on metal, that would likely not break it free.

In terms of last resorts...

Visit the nearest pick a part and obtain a latch and the plastic trim piece that goes around it and covers the area below the hatch, possibly take the engaging loop from that hatch too.
Verify that the replacement latch works with a test carabiner, or on the hatch loop of the donor car.
On the problem vehicle, tear apart the plastic trim from inside the rear area to get access all around the latch.
Release the latch, tear it apart, cut it apart, cut the loop from the hatch with an oscillating multitool or hacksaw. Whatever.
Clean up metal shavings, if any.
Install replacement parts.

 

Usually you can undo two bolts and the hatch goes up in the hasp stays in the lock if it's stuck like that now you can work on the half stuck in the lock with the hatch up if I'm not mistaken I have to go out and look at my hatch and my parts car I think that's how I have it set up now I just got in the back door pulled the plastic trim off the hatch and then down there where the mess latches and stuff there's a couple of bolts you undo and the hat goes up if I'm not mistaken