When I try to unlock the rear hatch using either the master key or the "unlock" switch on the driver side door the hatch refuses to unlock. Right now there is no way to open the rear hatch at all. Strangely, the lock indicator actually pops up, pauses for perhaps 1/3 of a second, and then slowly descends. I have tried all sorts of things, but I am unable to get the door to unlock and open. The exterior handle pulls open, but it feels like it just refuses to "catch" on the mechanism that would unlatch the hatch. It may be coincidental, but this just started happening at the same time as the battery started to die. I replaced the battery, hoping it maybe was a low-voltage problem with the rear hatch lock, but unfortunately, the problem persists.

Any advice is welcome, including suggestions on how best to remove the rear interior panels (without destroying anything) to see what is going on.

Thanks,

Sean