I broke my rear hatch handle off a few months ago and I want to repair it. I have not been able to find a good DIY on how to do this. I am able to open the rear hatch with a wire loop to pull on the latch, so that is not an issue. I do not have access to a repair manual so any info is appreciated.



Plastic

replacement parts in hand

 

I believe you need to pull the interior trim off the hatch and remove the license plate pocket. That should allow you access to replace the handle.

 

thanks... anyone have a write up or mechanical drawing of how this area goes together?

 

It's fairly self explanatory once you get in there. Slowly pull the interior trim off the hatch, there are clips all around it but it should pop off easily. The pocket will have a handful of nuts to remove then slowly pry the pocket off the exterior. There may be some adhesive and/or seal holding it on. Everything is easily located once the interior trim is off including the linkage which connects to the handle.

 

Guy pulled so hard on hatch handle the entire unit (meaning the license plate unit with light) has come away from hatch. A friend it can be fixed without replacing the entire unit if I found the clips used. However, I don’t know what the clips look like. Can you send a picture so that I know what to look for at the parts store and or can you give me a referral for where I can purchase. I’ll try to send a photo which shows an attempt to glue the entire unit back onto the hatch door. however, clearly it didn’t work. The handle still works. The light still works. License plate is fine. I just need to put the entire unit back on.

 

Take a look at this YouTube video...