Thanks to everyone who took the time to reply. After trying the other
suggestions, I was about to remove the interior panel when I heard a click
of the actuator. No idea why or how it "actuated", but I wasn't going to
look a gift horse in the mouth. I got out and luckily the lock was left in
the correct position and the hatch opened right up. The problem will
probably revisit, but for now I'm able to tackle the more pressing problem.
I love this list.

Jason

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Jim Felder
> Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2005 7:46 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Central Locking - can't open rear hatch
> 
> Go to the front, right side preferably. Lock everything, then unlock.
> Now go to the hatch and try to open it. If it doesn't open, turn the
> key and lock 90 degrees, go to the front, lock and unlock and then try
> the hatch again.
> 
> Jim
> 
> On Aug 23, 2005, at 9:23 PM, Jason Kirk wrote:
> 
> > I need help badly. I need to access the engine compartment and I cannot
> > unlock my rear hatch to open it. I've followed the owner's manual
> > instructions, but still no open. Please help me.
> >
> >
> > Jason
> > 1987 Weekender
> >