broken hatch release cable-HELP
Discussion
Do you know where or suspect where the cable has broken off? If the cable has come off the release handle you can try the use a coat hanger and really long needle nose pliers through the seat belt hole in the rear bulk head wall to grab the end. Be sure of what you have before yanking on something. I have heard of several ways If the cable has broken at the hatch release points, determine which side or if it is both side (unlikely). The different ways are as follows:
1) With the roof panel off undo the rear hatch hinge bolts. That will give you enough front hatch lift to peer into back. Some people have used a pole, string attached to a pole or even tried to crawl back there somehow to trip the release. This method may result in scuffing or scratches to the hatch and sill area if not careful.
2) This is the sure way after determining which is the offending side take a hammer,chisel, screw driver, etc. and break through the rear taillight pod stick your hand in through the broken fixture to manually release the hatch at the corners.
It is a Toyota light pod and replaceable but getting harder to find at a resonable cost. When looking for the light pod for god sakes don't even mention Lotus, say 83-85 Corolla hatch back and I'm a poor bastard so take pity on me. (I think thats the right year).
3) Remove the license plate and use a hole saw to cut through the body. After the hole saw is seated to the point it does not wander, back off the pilot bit and carefuly drill through the rest of way taking care not to go through the trunk carpet. Reach in and release the hatch, use a rubber plug as an access hole cover for the next time.
All three has been used to gain access to the rear. Depends on how much time and paiteince you have and what you will view as acceptable damage to your car.
Good Luck,
Calvin 90 SE
1) With the roof panel off undo the rear hatch hinge bolts. That will give you enough front hatch lift to peer into back. Some people have used a pole, string attached to a pole or even tried to crawl back there somehow to trip the release. This method may result in scuffing or scratches to the hatch and sill area if not careful.
2) This is the sure way after determining which is the offending side take a hammer,chisel, screw driver, etc. and break through the rear taillight pod stick your hand in through the broken fixture to manually release the hatch at the corners.
It is a Toyota light pod and replaceable but getting harder to find at a resonable cost. When looking for the light pod for god sakes don't even mention Lotus, say 83-85 Corolla hatch back and I'm a poor bastard so take pity on me. (I think thats the right year).
3) Remove the license plate and use a hole saw to cut through the body. After the hole saw is seated to the point it does not wander, back off the pilot bit and carefuly drill through the rest of way taking care not to go through the trunk carpet. Reach in and release the hatch, use a rubber plug as an access hole cover for the next time.
All three has been used to gain access to the rear. Depends on how much time and paiteince you have and what you will view as acceptable damage to your car.
Good Luck,
Calvin 90 SE
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