96 Lumina APV Tailgate lock

Looking for a bright idea...
The tailgate of my 96 Lumina APV is locked closed. When I unlock with the remote, I hear a quiet 'tick' of the unlock (expecting it to be a bit louder), but it won't open. The key won't go in the lock. I trird removing the plastic over the lock mechanism from the inside, but it looks like you have to have the tailgate open to get at the two screws that are in the end of the plastic. Any bright ideas for what I should try next?

Thanks!

I had the same issue on my 95, APV. Removed all the screws I could get to from the inside. I have long arms and was able to flex the inner panel enough to work the mechanism. I did run the risk of cracking an already cracked panel.

If you take a long screw driver, you can open the latch from inside the van. (either push down on the left side of the latch mechanism or pry upward on the right side). you'll have to play with it a little bit but its not hard to do.

Thank you both!
Before I tried either, I wanted to make sure it was warmed up - it's been cold and the garage isn't heated. Hopefully this weekend I'll get at it and *carefully* put an electric heater in the back to warm it up first.

Thank you both!
Before I tried either, I wanted to make sure it was warmed up - it's been cold and the garage isn't heated. Hopefully this weekend I'll get at it and *carefully* put an electric heater in the back to warm it up first.

If all else fails, I've got a .45 you can borrow. Opens anything...:grinyes: