Hey guys, I need some help/advice on where to go from here.

I have a 1998 Civic DX hatch, and the hatch won't open. The key has no problem locking/unlocking the lock, and I can unlock/lock it from the inside.

Unfortunately there's no cabin release for the trunk, leaving the outside latch the only way to open it. I try opening it, but it feels like the handle won't compress all the way, like something's stopping it.

I tried pulling the panel from the inside, but with the hatch closed, it's nigh impossible, and access from the outside to the locking mechanism is a no go.

ANY IDEAS LOL

 

As in there is no cable running from the trunk release lever to the hatch itself? Might be farfetched here but something like this happened to my driver side door. Try unlocking it from the outside and at the same time while you have the key turned inside the locking mechanism, try opening it.

 

I don't recall hatchbacks having that release lever by the driver side seat.

If the exterior lever to unlock the hatch is stuck that means the metal arm is binding.......that means you're left to cut that panel open and see whats causing it to bind, or keeping it from opening. Will wait for your reply once that is done because you might need to clean it up, sand down any rust, grease it back up.

 

Are you sure you can't remove the hatch trim panel with the hatch closed? It's just held by clips.

 

Hey guys, thanks for the replies, sorry I've been away, school has been kicking my butt lately.

So tony 2018 is correct, there is no cable release for the trunk in the cabin whatsoever, good ol' ek hatchbacks right?

SO before I start hacking through the metal panel in the prettiest way possible, I'm going to have another go at removing the inside panel held in by clips; that's the exact same diagram I'm looking at Ronj@ht, thanks to you

I'll try to post some pics of the process tomorrow in case any other unlucky soul gets caught in this bind with their beloved hatchback. The only clips really proving hazardous for me are the ones which are right next to the actual latch on the underside, where there's not a lot of room to pull clips. I don't even know if there's enough clearance for them to come out. I'll try to get a clip remover tool for those, we'll see.

Here's to hoping I won't have to cut my baby open!

 

Did you ever fix this issue? I am currently have this issue and can't seem to find a solution anywhere.

 

I would've just cut through the interior panel...

 

6 year old thread.

Please start your own thread with your car information and reference this thread. Or PM the user to see if they are still even active on this site.