Inside Rear Hatch Latch Install

[RainDriver]

The guys at the factory forgot to put in a way to open the rear hatch from the inside. I picked up a generic hood-latch control cable, popped off the upper rear hatch trim, drilled a hole in the flange that sticks out, fitted the cable, and attached the 'working end' of the cable to the hatch latch, strapping it in place alongside the existing handle cable.

Works a charm, cost $10, took about a half-hour. No more climbing over the front seats to get out when sleeping in back.

[Genom]

Wow, I must say that is a very cool and useful mod...I'll say that some mods added in the name of convenience here leave a little to be desired, but this one is really nice and actually serves a purpose...I may have to do this one myself since I've been in need of an inside rear hatch release a handful times.

[lwclancers]

Nice idea :)

[MikeQBF]

A big thumbs up!

Very creative, useful and well-executed mod.

Inspired! Thanks!

[paulj]

An alternative is to drill a 1" finger hole in the center of the plastic directly over latching mechanism. This handle may be easier to use.

While I drilled such a hole some time ago, I haven't used it much. I've been either camping with a tailgate tent, or a side awning, so I usually exit from the side doors.

paulj

[Sheniferous]

one of the first things i did when i got the E was install a solenoid on the inside that's operated by my alarm system. the only thing is, the hydaulic lifts aren't built to allow the hatch to open on its own so i don't have a "real" remote hatch release... it works great for camping though!

here's some pix of the installation location, relay, cable and welded mount, and selenoid.















click these two video links to see it in action. the second video shows why this is great for camping... i can open it up from the inside!

(right click and choose "save as")

http://www.ed2film.com/Element/inside.AVI

http://www.ed2film.com/Element/open.AVI


Although the lo-tech way is the easiest way... i like to complicate things un-necessarily with technology. ;)

[RainDriver]

Nice to see other folks have taken a run at this. I was aiming at bit higher than paulj's hole-in-the-gate, but lack the temerity to tackle the electronics of sheniferous' solenoid.

The problem with the method I used is, it won't open the hatch if it's locked. Hey, I'm doin' my best here...and with a budget of $10, it's at least a step in the right direction.

Now... could one just add a button (like the one on the driver's-side armrest) to trigger the existing lock solenoid from the tailgate?

[lwclancers]

Originally Posted by Genom

I may have to do this one myself since I've been in need of an inside rear hatch release a handful times.

Hmmm....lil sis locked you in again? :)

[lwclancers]

Originally Posted by paulj

An alternative is to drill a 1" finger hole in the center of the plastic directly over latching mechanism. This handle may be easier to use.

Or you could just put a baseball bat through the back glass

[MarkZ]

Originally Posted by RainDriver

The guys at the factory forgot to put in a way to open the rear hatch from the inside. I picked up a generic hood-latch control cable, popped off the upper rear hatch trim, drilled a hole in the flange that sticks out, fitted the cable, and attached the 'working end' of the cable to the hatch latch, strapping it in place alongside the existing handle cable.

Works a charm, cost $10, took about a half-hour. No more climbing over the front seats to get out when sleeping in back.

Could you provide more detailed instructions for us mechanically challenged people? I'd like to do the same!