Open rear hatch on disabled vehicle

[V_2]

My car got smashed up by a drunk driver and I'm trying to salvage all the parts I am able to get since insurance only covers the market value of a vehicle. I am looking into opening the hatch in order to remove the wing risers.

Is there a way to get it open when there is no power..battery cables are cut and extensive front wiring damage? I found a suggestion through google that said to punch a hole in the right side of the latch cover and dig around with a screwdriver until the latch releases. I'm planning to try that method if there isn't an alternative.

Has anyone run into this before?

 

[Spaceman_Spiff]

There is a trunk release cable in cars with trunks to prevent kids from getting trapped. i would think there should be something similar here, but i can't say that i've actually seen it. maybe in one of the pockets on the side?

 

[LilPartyBox]

I doubt there is an obvious emergency release as you can't get stuck inside a hatch lol. but call the dealer. There must be an alternate way to open it during power loss. Also, check the owner's manual

 

[V_2]

I actually asked the dealer this weekend while I was signing for the new FiST and the service department just kinda shrugged. No real help in the owner's manual either. It doesn't mention opening the hatch without power. It's probably something they didn't think to or want to engineer in order to save cost. I mean, how often is a situation going to arise where an owner needs to open the hatch while the battery is dead?

This is what I was looking at last night. Guess it's worth a try..
http://www.justanswer.com/uk-ford/5ulyj-ford-fiesta-ford-fiesta-58-plate-boot-will-not-open.html

 

[koozy]

you can try a small 12v battery and connect leads to the fuse box that powers the hatch, etc.

 

[CanadianGuy]

There is no emergency release as you can crawl out from the hatch into the passenger cabin and open a door. Best is connect a 12V battery and push the button.

 

[V_2]

Sounds like a plan...I'll supply 12v to the "locking and unlocking" fuse (26, passenger compartment) and see what that does before I start blindly stabbing into the latch cover.

Thanks!

 

[Spaceman_Spiff]

I doubt there is an obvious emergency release as you can't get stuck inside a hatch lol. but call the dealer. There must be an alternate way to open it during power loss. Also, check the owner's manual

Make something idiot proof and they'll make a better idiot

Sent from my Spaceship

 

[LilPartyBox]

lol truth