1999 Chevy Venture Van (extended)

[Gerdie2]

The back rear hatch will not open. The key will not work in the lock, either. Tried to lube up the lock hole- didn't work. Key won't go all the way into the hole. I think it should still open with the keyless remote.The actuator inside the door might be bad.I dont know how yo get to the inside of the door panel.I probably will have to replace the windshield wiper motor inside the door too.It stops sometimes.Can you tell me how to get the door open and how to get to the inside of the back door.THANKS

[GregA]

You might want to try a locksmith. Probably cheaper than a dealer.

I once had some kids stuff a "small twig" in a lock & couldn't get the key in. What a pain!

Good Luck,

[Gerdie2]

This will not solve the whole problem.I need to get to the inside of that door to look and see if the cylinder is working

[GregA]

There are some instructions & diagrams at the link below, but they assume you can get the door open. Sounds like you are in a bit of a pickle.

Good luck.

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d801bf4b4.jsp

[AJT1961]

If you ever do get the door open, don't be too quick to replace the wiper motor. The intermittent stopping problem is often the result of a simple corroded groundwire connection.

[Gerdie2]

Thanks GregA about the locksmith suggestion.I called the one with the SMALLEST ad in the yellow pages.He said he would come over to take a look and I said I would bring it to him as I was on a limited budget.The inside cover was pulled out a little from the bottom while inside the van-removed the seats for more working room.He could reach his hand up in the middle while I pulled on it.The corners will not unsnap as this will break the plastic--bad design from GM.It was hard to see in there so we pulled the plastic cover out of the snaps where it meets the glass --be careful with the screwdriver next to the glass.When these snaps came loose much more of the inside mechanism was viewable.There is a cable that runs from the door handle and snakes to the right before hooking up to the latch assembly by the bottom of door.He pushed on the assembly to the right and the door popped open.Then it was easy to remove the whole plastic cover for access to the inside of the door.The latch assembly was rusted and would not move when we tried to use the handle.We soaked it with WD-40 and then the red spray grease he had and now it works fine.Any more problems and I might have to change the latch assembly but at least I can open it from the inside if that happens.The key lock was no help as this just moves the rod inside to unlock the door and as long as the remote works it will unlock the door when you push it twice so we didnt replace it.He said they get alot of road dirt and freeze up.Total cost was 30.00.I figured I saved 200.00 or so by not taking it to the dealer plus I learned something.I hope this helps other owners as this could become a problem as these vans age.Thanks again GREGA

[GregA]

Your Welcome. Its good to hear that you got it fixed!

Take Care