Rear hatch mystery release handle
Banned
Joined: 10-14-2005
Posts: 9,121
From: Rochester,N.Y.
I searched everywhere and I swear mine is not there. I kind of remember your post Snoopy. Didn't you have to use a screw driver to get to it or something like that. 
I could search but I'm too lazy right now. 
I could search but I'm too lazy right now.
Senior Member
Joined: 04-19-2006
Posts: 5,065
From: Arvada CO
Snoopy...is this what you're talking about?
Found the info in THIS thread. 
O'k guys.....it's there. a little hard to find because it is not how it is illustrated in THE BOOK.
Follow the directions in the owners book BUT when the lid is open trip the lock so it is closed. If you insert the 4 inch or longer screw driver straight in next to the plastic piece (right side looking up from storage area), the lock will trip.
Everyone had me wondering about this as a potential safety problem, so I had to try it.........no problem. And really, you should try it ahead of time, just in case.
Follow the directions in the owners book BUT when the lid is open trip the lock so it is closed. If you insert the 4 inch or longer screw driver straight in next to the plastic piece (right side looking up from storage area), the lock will trip.
Everyone had me wondering about this as a potential safety problem, so I had to try it.........no problem. And really, you should try it ahead of time, just in case.
Senior Member
Joined: 07-12-2006
Posts: 1,703
From: NE Ohio
It seems to me that this "emergency release" was brought about a few years ago because of kids getting trapped in trunks of SEDANS. The HHR & other wagons & SUV's cargo areas are common to the rest of the interior, hence no release needed. I've cut my hatch down the middle (see my pics), to build the barn doors, there is no inside release. Our 2002 Tahoe doesn't have one either, just not necessary on these types of vehicles.
jeffs396
jeffs396
Senior Member
Joined: 12-30-2006
Posts: 661
From: Lower Alabama
It seems to me that this "emergency release" was brought about a few years ago because of kids getting trapped in trunks of SEDANS. The HHR & other wagons & SUV's cargo areas are common to the rest of the interior, hence no release needed. I've cut my hatch down the middle (see my pics), to build the barn doors, there is no inside release. Our 2002 Tahoe doesn't have one either, just not necessary on these types of vehicles.
jeffs396
jeffs396
Senior Member
Joined: 07-02-2006
Posts: 164
From: Seattle
Manual tailgate release.
It seems to me that this "emergency release" was brought about a few years ago because of kids getting trapped in trunks of SEDANS. The HHR & other wagons & SUV's cargo areas are common to the rest of the interior, hence no release needed. I've cut my hatch down the middle (see my pics), to build the barn doors, there is no inside release. Our 2002 Tahoe doesn't have one either, just not necessary on these types of vehicles.
jeffs396
jeffs396
Here is a link to an explaination, bottom left side of page three.
http://216.182.211.32/techlink/image...r06/mar_06.pdf
Platinum Member
Joined: 05-09-2006
Posts: 6,805
From: "Upland" Mesa, Arizona
There IS a "manual" release behind the little cover bottom center inside. It is not for "emergency" use. It IS for opening the tailgate if the electric release FAILS so you can remove the interior cover to facilitate a repair.
Here is a link to an explaination, bottom left side of page three.
http://216.182.211.32/techlink/image...r06/mar_06.pdf
Here is a link to an explaination, bottom left side of page three.
http://216.182.211.32/techlink/image...r06/mar_06.pdf
But, I've got to say, that EVERY HHR owner that I showed this to (not including at least a dozen at my dealership) had the release and was able to use it.
I'm working on a How To, with pictures, right now.
Platinum Member
Joined: 05-09-2006
Posts: 6,805
From: "Upland" Mesa, Arizona
Also, thanks to Dave C....
Take a good look farther down on the GM tech Link he provided. There is a really good article on ROTOR "WOBBLE". How many want to bet their dealer didn't do or know this.
Take a good look farther down on the GM tech Link he provided. There is a really good article on ROTOR "WOBBLE". How many want to bet their dealer didn't do or know this.
Banned
Joined: 10-14-2005
Posts: 9,121
From: Rochester,N.Y.
I half assedly forgot about your original post.