Rear hatch in 96 sw1 lever does not operate
 

I have a sw1 wagon 1996 and the lever on the driver floor when pulled does not pop the rear gate hatch. i have to use the key to open the hatch from the outside. anyone know any possible solutions?

Having the same prob wit my 2001 SC2. Could use the same advice.

does anyone have any input on this?

In my 97 SC2 (Coupe) it is actually an electrically actuated switch that is operated by pulling the lever (which is connected to a cable). I've busted off part of the connector a few times when my tool box slid around in my trunk.

Check the latch in the trunk (the part connected to the trunk lid to see if there is any damage to the wiring that goes into it)

Not sure if this applies to 96 nor if it applies to 2001.....

Derf has the 4/11 on the hatch release cable for the SW series -- good capture

I removed the hatch assembly on the hatch and cleaned the connectors with crc electrical spray and no difference still nothing so i am running to the u pull it and grabbing one out of the only wagon in any u pull it yard ive been to and trying that one. could there be a trunk release switch somewhere like other cars have usually in the glove box i cannot find one. also could the lever be bad anyone know what lerks down there?

It's a cable that runs to the latch. Have a friend pull the handle while you observe the latch -- you should see physical movement at the latch where the cable connects. If you don't, the cable may be stretched or broken.

the only cable there is runs to the keylock on the hatch door itself and there are two wireharnesses that plug into the lock actuator. i got another one out of the junkyard and no luck same thing.

Ok well i finally got a keyless remote and the trunk button on it pops the hatch so now i know it is not the actuator but has to be the lever so if anyone knows what is down there at the lever that would be great before i go and remove the seat to get to it.