Rear Hatch Won't Open-HELP!
 

When I bought my '90 turbo, it only came with one key. That key operated everything. The inside hatch release didn't work at all-handle comes up with no resistance.

All of a sudden I can't open the hatch with the key. The key slot has rotated horizontally and is firmly stuck. I have read about "valet" keys here and locking the hatch by rotating the key backwards. There were some photos posted in a sticky but they are now gone.

I've read thru all the threads on this problem here; at least least my Targa top is up on top of the car.

SO, how do I get the hatch open, and how can I get it out of "valet mode" if that's what it's in?

If there is in fact a valet mode, and you do actually have the master key, you should be able to get it turned back to normal with enough wiggleing and persuasion. Try some graphite on the key, you dont really want to use any kind of wet lube as it attracts dust. I would suggest that you can unscrew the release handle and pull the wire further to release the hatch, but since it is in valet mode that wont work anyways. If nothing else, you can always climb back there and try removing that rear center panel, though im not sure if it will come out with the hatch down.

Thanks. I think it's OK now. It's my wife's car, and I think she managed to turn the key CCW. The car was locked when I tried it, but after I unlocked it the key opened the hatch.

Now I can see that while the inside cable is hooked up, it must have stretched a bit because it doesn't pull quite far enough to open the mechanism. I think I'll remove that inside center-rear panel and see if I can make it pull a bit more.

I had the same problem, simple fix: take the center panel out, and put a couple zip ties or however many it takes around the braided wire cable right before the end crimp to take up some space between the end crip and the mechanism. I hope that makes sense, basically using zip ties to take up some slack in the cable thats stretched.

Thanks. I'll take some photos of it when I do. Too bad Toy. didn't use a simple motorcycle-style cable adjustment goodie where you could easily get to it.