Rear Hatch Won't Open-HELP!

Benesesso · 07-21-2008, 01:44 AM

When I bought my '90 turbo, it only came with one key. That key operated everything. The inside hatch release didn't work at all-handle comes up with no resistance.

All of a sudden I can't open the hatch with the key. The key slot has rotated horizontally and is firmly stuck. I have read about "valet" keys here and locking the hatch by rotating the key backwards. There were some photos posted in a sticky but they are now gone.

I've read thru all the threads on this problem here; at least least my Targa top is up on top of the car.

SO, how do I get the hatch open, and how can I get it out of "valet mode" if that's what it's in?

CyFi6 · 07-21-2008, 05:26 AM

If there is in fact a valet mode, and you do actually have the master key, you should be able to get it turned back to normal with enough wiggleing and persuasion. Try some graphite on the key, you dont really want to use any kind of wet lube as it attracts dust. I would suggest that you can unscrew the release handle and pull the wire further to release the hatch, but since it is in valet mode that wont work anyways. If nothing else, you can always climb back there and try removing that rear center panel, though im not sure if it will come out with the hatch down.

Benesesso · 07-21-2008, 06:28 AM

Thanks. I think it's OK now. It's my wife's car, and I think she managed to turn the key CCW. The car was locked when I tried it, but after I unlocked it the key opened the hatch.

Now I can see that while the inside cable is hooked up, it must have stretched a bit because it doesn't pull quite far enough to open the mechanism. I think I'll remove that inside center-rear panel and see if I can make it pull a bit more.

CyFi6 · 07-21-2008, 06:53 AM

I had the same problem, simple fix: take the center panel out, and put a couple zip ties or however many it takes around the braided wire cable right before the end crimp to take up some space between the end crip and the mechanism. I hope that makes sense, basically using zip ties to take up some slack in the cable thats stretched.

Benesesso · 07-21-2008, 12:37 PM

Thanks. I'll take some photos of it when I do. Too bad Toy. didn't use a simple motorcycle-style cable adjustment goodie where you could easily get to it.

07-21-2008, 01:44 AM	#1
Benesesso 3" Exhaust Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 145	Rear Hatch Won't Open-HELP! When I bought my '90 turbo, it only came with one key. That key operated everything. The inside hatch release didn't work at all-handle comes up with no resistance. All of a sudden I can't open the hatch with the key. The key slot has rotated horizontally and is firmly stuck. I have read about "valet" keys here and locking the hatch by rotating the key backwards. There were some photos posted in a sticky but they are now gone. I've read thru all the threads on this problem here; at least least my Targa top is up on top of the car. SO, how do I get the hatch open, and how can I get it out of "valet mode" if that's what it's in? __________________ "You see, wire telegraph is like a very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? Radio operates the same way: You send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is there is no cat." A. Einstein 1988 and 1990 Turbo Supras

07-21-2008, 06:28 AM	#3
Benesesso 3" Exhaust Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 145	Thanks. I think it's OK now. It's my wife's car, and I think she managed to turn the key CCW. The car was locked when I tried it, but after I unlocked it the key opened the hatch. Now I can see that while the inside cable is hooked up, it must have stretched a bit because it doesn't pull quite far enough to open the mechanism. I think I'll remove that inside center-rear panel and see if I can make it pull a bit more. __________________ "You see, wire telegraph is like a very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? Radio operates the same way: You send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is there is no cat." A. Einstein 1988 and 1990 Turbo Supras

07-21-2008, 12:37 PM	#5
Benesesso 3" Exhaust Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 145	Thanks. I'll take some photos of it when I do. Too bad Toy. didn't use a simple motorcycle-style cable adjustment goodie where you could easily get to it. __________________ "You see, wire telegraph is like a very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? Radio operates the same way: You send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is there is no cat." A. Einstein 1988 and 1990 Turbo Supras

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Rear hatch latch revisited	finaltable	MKIII Supra	11	12-08-2013 02:24 AM
Hatch Open Warning Light constantly on...	TomFraser	MKIII Supra	6	06-13-2008 02:07 AM
rust rear hatch l&r lower window corners	hayduke	Non-Generation Specific Questions	0	12-17-2007 06:24 PM
Rear Hatch	mkiiisupra	MKIII Supra	4	09-23-2007 08:41 PM
Rear Hatch Cover, retractable	scorpmatt	MKII Supra	4	01-30-2006 05:12 AM

07-21-2008, 05:26 AM	#2
CyFi6 3" Exhaust Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: SLO Posts: 234	If there is in fact a valet mode, and you do actually have the master key, you should be able to get it turned back to normal with enough wiggleing and persuasion. Try some graphite on the key, you dont really want to use any kind of wet lube as it attracts dust. I would suggest that you can unscrew the release handle and pull the wire further to release the hatch, but since it is in valet mode that wont work anyways. If nothing else, you can always climb back there and try removing that rear center panel, though im not sure if it will come out with the hatch down.

07-21-2008, 06:53 AM	#4
CyFi6 3" Exhaust Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: SLO Posts: 234	I had the same problem, simple fix: take the center panel out, and put a couple zip ties or however many it takes around the braided wire cable right before the end crimp to take up some space between the end crip and the mechanism. I hope that makes sense, basically using zip ties to take up some slack in the cable thats stretched.