http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=442754&highlight=rear+hatch+lock+access++inside+release
is how I fixed my rear hatch when I couldn't open it from the outside

Rob
vwrobb@gmail.com

On Mon, Oct 10, 2016 at 11:37 AM, Edward Maglott <emaglott3@gmail.com>
wrote:

> On my 1986, I made a pull cord so that the hatch could be opened from
> inside.  Looking for where I had pictures of that....  the doo-hickey that
> unlatches the hatch, you pull it toward the front of the van to unlatch.
> Edward
>
> On Mon, Oct 10, 2016 at 8:17 AM, Larry Alofs <lalofs@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > 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
> > >
> >
>