That's what I thought-- no force needed.

If you expect it to spring back open when you engage the latch release (inside or outside) like the passenger door latches, the fix is simple. Just pull it back out. No spring.

You know the feel of the lock mechanism? When the hatch is locked, the outer handle button does not engage anything. It pushes in effort free. This can result if it is locked by the central locking motor or just using the key. But the inner handle releases regardless, as long as the safety catch (child lock) is positioned downward. Central locking can fail because of the wiring in the hinges.

I hope it is this simple. Could be the seller did some work to keep the hatch shut, and all bets are off.

Using the latch frame as a fulcrum gently apply pressure to open the latch while you push the button (or pull on the T-handle inside).


--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

A bargain is something you don’t need at a price you can’t resist.