I can't lock the rear hatch with the remote, key, or interior lock buttons. Does anyone have an exploded view of the rear hatch lock mechanism so I can see what I need to replace. 1997 Subaru Legacy Outback.

Thanks

Jay

Check to see if the handle on the hatch is returning all the way. The hinge gets rusty and the handle will stick in the partway pulled postion. That then blocks the lock from working, even though the latch still catches.

Anyone the part number that gets all rusty because of the snow? I meant to write down the part number from whatever thread I saw it in before.

That seems like a good place to start. There has been some rear damage and it looks like the lock mechanism is pushed in. Is there a lube that is recommended?

Just call http://www.1stsubaruparts.com/. They are familiar with the issue and tell you want you need to replace. It is not very expensive.

Thanks nipper, will do.

On 5/14/09, I bought the handle from Lee's Summit Subaru in Missouri thru their website, http://www.leessummitsubaru.com. Part # 62150AA211. Part cost $22.62, shipping $10.50, Total: $33.12. I knew I kept the receipt just to help you. This was for my 99 OBW to replace handle that was rusted and jamming/sticking. The same part will fit your 97. It is an ez to do project to replace the handle. It does require removing the interior panel from the tail gate, but ez to do.

That includes everything? I need to figure out what's wrong with my lock period I can't stick the key in the lock I'm not sure if thats something that can be fixed.

That includes everything? I need to figure out what's wrong with my lock period I can't stick the key in the lock I'm not sure if thats something that can be fixed.

 

 

WD 40 then followed by lockease.

never heard of lockease... something I'm sure I can get at home depot?

never heard of lockease... something I'm sure I can get at home depot?

 

It is a graphite based lubricant specifically made for locks.

I am thinking I may have to replace the whole she-bang. But I will try all of these first. you can see where the lock mechanism is pushed back into the hatch.

i replaced the entire assembly myself. can we see a pic?

I am thinking I may have to replace the whole she-bang. But I will try all of these first. you can see where the lock mechanism is pushed back into the hatch.

 

Yea, the mechanism gets bound up with rust and crud, which prevents the return spring from pulling the mechanism back down. I bought a replacement latch unit for about $35 on line about a year ago.

 

I tried using white grease, WD-40, and PB Blaster to lube up the rusty mechanism. All the lubes would work for only about a month or so, then it was back to binding up again. The only sure fire fix is to replace the latch unit.

I replaced the handle, license plate light barcket (which the handle mounts too) and all new bolts and screws. Everything was so rusted I couldnt get the lights out. It was about 35.00

Did you cut them off?

With a lot of work and a lot of nutbuster it came off. At the time I did not know what i was up against so I did not want them to snap

i replaced the entire assembly myself. can we see a pic?

 

Here is a link to my picasa account with some pics. Im not sure if they show enough however... When removing the back, interior panel is it held on with those brittle plastic pieces? If so are they special order from the stealership or can I get them at an auto store?

http://picasaweb.google.com/coldfrankie/Subaru#

Here is a link to my picasa account with some pics. Im not sure if they show enough however... When removing the back, interior panel is it held on with those brittle plastic pieces? If so are they special order from the stealership or can I get them at an auto store?

http://picasaweb.google.com/coldfrankie/Subaru#

 

you can get something from the auto parts store, not an exact match. for that you would have to go to subaru.