Toyota Sequoia rear hatch won't open

[atikovi]

Yes I've watched all the youtube videos. I pulled the inside panel off so I could access the release cable and pull on it. Nothing. I removed the cable and worked the lever it controls. Still nothing. Got medieval on it and cut and air hammered most of the latch assembly out of it,

Until what I have left is,

Still won't budge. Will grinding down those 3 bolts do anything? Don't think so as the bracket still captures the hatch. Two cuts along the sides of the bracket where it drops down? I've never sweat so much in my life as I did doing this. Not even on a stress test.

 

[Rand]

Oscillating multitool with carbine blade?

I cant see great from the picture but the 2 cuts option has some merit.

you need to make its small enough that what is left can go through the hole in the sheetmetal?? not familiar with that latch assembly.

 

[atikovi]

That did it along with more air hammering with a chisel blade. No damage to the hatch or catch either.

 

[SatinSilver]

How many miles on it again? 500k if I remember correctly.

 

[atikovi]

Yes, on the moving parts.

 

[supton]

Yes, on the moving parts.

Do the non-moving parts have more or less miles?

 

[atikovi]

Do the non-moving parts have more or less miles?

Non-moving parts aren't affected by wear as much as by age.