Like Dan said.  The second tool looks better.  You need to pry close to and
on both sides of each clip to minimize damage to the panel..Expect most of
the clips to break.  The replacements have to fit 5/16" (8 mm) holes.  Not
easy to find at the average FLAPS.
  Once the panel is off you can push and pry at the mechanism until you
discover how to release it.
If the lock turns, the keys are fine.

Have fun,
Larry A.

On Sun, Oct 9, 2016 at 6:19 PM, Sherry Dawson <dawsonsld@aol.com> wrote:

>  I have a 1986 Vanagon with manual locks.  My rear hatch door will not
> unlock. The lock will turn and the center button will depress, but the lock
> does not engage.
>
> It has worked properly all these years, but became intermittent at
> unlocking several months ago, and now I cannot get it open at all.  They
> keys I have are copies--the original VW key has been lost.
>
> I have read all the advice I can find online and the general consensus is
> to remove the inside decorative panel, take the lock apart, clean and
> lubricate it and reinstall it.  If none of you has any better advice, can
> anyone tell me how to remove the panel from inside the van without damaging
> it?
>
> Thanks!
>
>
>
> Sherry
>