Rear Hatch/Barn Door Stuck Closed GX470 - Fix Posted

[shwagon]

Searched and found several posts regarding the failing actuators. But, most of these threads either had actuators that hadn't completely failed, or they didn't post a solution on how to get the door open if the actuator had catastrophic internal failure (to the point were it wasn't opening at all).

1): Watch this video on how to remove the door panel. It is a b!tch to remove inside the car so have sturdy pry tools available and some upper body strength is required as you can’t get much leverage on the panel inside the car:
https://youtu.be/EkOX8FZzInc

2): Break the actuator off the mounting bracket by prying it towards the outside of the car:

3): Using a long flat head screw driver, lift up on this lever to open door:

 

[ArBrnSnpr]

One more reason to do the interior cable release!

Between my doors and my fridge, I don't think there's any way I'd be able to get my cover off my hatch if my actuator failed.

Good preventative maintenance!

 

[shwagon]

One more reason to do the interior cable release!

Between my doors and my fridge, I don't think there's any way I'd be able to get my cover off my hatch if my actuator failed.

Good preventative maintenance!

Do you have a picture of your cable install? I would love to get some ideas before I put this back together.

 

[shwagon]

One more reason to do the interior cable release!

Between my doors and my fridge, I don't think there's any way I'd be able to get my cover off my hatch if my actuator failed.

Good preventative maintenance!

Also, a secondary cable install actually wouldn't have helped in this scenario. The only way the latch would release was after breaking it to gain access to the internals.