I recently picked up an 82 malibu wagon (second g body now, the other is a 79 s dr.). I got two keys from the p.o. One fits the ignition, the other fits the front door. The same door key fits the rear hatch, but won't unlock it. I had an 80 malibu wagon years ago, and I seem to remember it having three keys. (A third one for the rear hatch.) Can someone with a wagon tell me if this is the case, or do I need to tear into the hatch to figure out why the door key won't open it? (Actually I'm not sure I can do that with it closed...)
Wagon rear hatch key question
- Thread starter Steveshow
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Welcome aboard Steve.
There should only be two keys. One for the ignition and one for the doors including the tailgate.
Post some pics of your wagon when you get a chance.
I think it would be difficult trying to get inside the tailgate, especially if it has the inner panel in place.
There's got to be a trick to get inside there....unfortunately, I've never learned it.
There should only be two keys. One for the ignition and one for the doors including the tailgate.
Post some pics of your wagon when you get a chance.
I think it would be difficult trying to get inside the tailgate, especially if it has the inner panel in place.
There's got to be a trick to get inside there....unfortunately, I've never learned it.
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For $50-$100 a locksmith will come to your location and make you a new key.
The only other way in involves wrecking your interior panel...
The only other way in involves wrecking your interior panel...
I have three keys aswell. Ignition (which also works in the driver side door), Door/Hatch and the Fuel Cap key.
As many of the wagon owners can attest, the tailgate lock design and assembly leaves a lot to be desired, and it is common for it to have been previously replaced by prior owners. This was the case with 3 of the 6 I have owned. Quite possible you don't have a key for the tailgate lock at all.
Afterthought....you do realize that the whole outer bezel turns using the "wings", right? It isn't like the door locks where the key turns in the cylinder.
Afterthought....you do realize that the whole outer bezel turns using the "wings", right? It isn't like the door locks where the key turns in the cylinder.
My rear key will not turn, even though it did when I first bought the car. Something has gone wrong inside. My plan is to unbolt the glass latch from inside the car, swing the hatch up and then reach in with a shim steel to release the latches on either die. Once I can lower the gate, I can take the inner panel off and investigate what is the problem. Not sure if that is beyond what the OP was hoping to hear.
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