Jammed Rear Hatch - 260z 2+2

[Clarky]

I am looking at purchasing a 1976 260 2+2. The rear hatch wont unlatch. Neither I or the current owner could figure out a way to get it open from the inside. Do you guys have any ideas?

[reverendzed]

can't really work out why it wont open but if it is unlocked you should be able to get to the underside of the hatch latch panel above the number plate and get a screwdriver and pry the claw back that is connected to the hatch release button this should unlock the hatch, its the only thing I can think of.

Rev.

[Scoota G]

There's a bolt on the lock mechanisim that if it comes loose it won't let the activator push on the lever that unlocks the tailgate. Easy to get to in a 2 seater... not so eay in 2+2 :/

[Zedman240®]

Another way that may work is to remove the rectangular trim on the hatch and remove the spring clip that holds the lock in place with a large flat blade screwdriver..

[.]

Is the button pushing in at all.

 

1. If it does not push in at all, then there is either something wrong with the lock (like maybe it is locked ) or there is something foreign jammed in the way.

2. If it pushes in with little or no resistance then the armature of the button may be missing the latch.

3. If it pushes and seems to have the proper resistance, then it is more likely to be a problem with the latch.

 

If it is scenario 1 try Zedman240's suggestions.

If it is scenario 2 also try Zedman240's suggestions.

If it is scenario 3 try reverendzed's. But before you do that try a bit of exra force while holding the button in.

 

Good luck

[locklock]

Hi,

Im having this problem too.. Mine can push in all the way with no resistance but the hatch doesnt pop up. Something is missing here..

[GongZ]

So - you have a problem with a lock locklock? 

 

Looking at your photo, I would say that it is what Scoota said above =

 

There's a bolt on the lock mechanism that if it comes loose it won't let the activator push on the lever that unlocks the tailgate. ...

 

I have copied your photo and put some notes on it to help explain what I think is wrong.

 

 

The screw that holds the arm onto the lock (see the note in yellow text) looks like it might be loose. When you turn the key to the unlocked position, the 'lock bolt' (noted in red) should be directly above the 'catch lever' (also noted in red).

 

When you lock/unlock the tailgate, the key, and therefore the arm, only turn through 90 degrees. Yours looks like it would miss the lever.

 

Try doing this -

1. Put the key in the lock and make sure that it is in the unlocked position
2. Look inside the hatch (from the same position as you took the photo) and press on the button.
3. If the bolt is missing the lever, work out how far you need the adjust the arm
4. Slide the 'lock retaining clip' (noted in white) out in the direction of the white arrow and remove it
5. Take the lock out of the hatch
6. Loosen the screw and rotate the arm to where it needs to be
7. Tighten the screw
8. Reassemble and check operation

 

I hope that helps

- Ian

 

[locklock]

Hahaaha... Thanks!!!

Actually it is very embarrassing, its was locked thats why i couldn't get it opened. All i needed to do was push it a little harder down to pop the hatch.

Thanks gongz i'll do some tightening on the locking system.

[GongZ]

I am glad you solved your problem.

 

Also notice that the bolt can be adjusted up and down a bit, and has a lock-nut to fix it in place. You might need to play with this to get it to work better.