Pinto Car Club of America

I have a '78 Hatchback, that won't open. The lock will not turn when I put the key in. Is there a way I can open it from the inside. I also need to get to the reverse ligh bulbs, neither of the current ones work, so they need to be replaced. Any help is appreciated!

-Mike

Hello Trigger01,
Try spraying some Lock-Ease into the keyhole and using the key back and fourth to get the lock un-stuck.
R U sure you are using the correct key???
From Pintony

First, are you certain you have the proper key for it?
Is the lock frozen, literally, from the cold.

Barring this, you should be able to get to the screws from inside the car. Lay the back seat down & wiggle back.

Once you get the panels off you should be able to manually open the lock. There is a spring clip holding the cylinder in. Remove it & take it to a locksmith & make certain the key & lock match.

Quote from: crazyhorse on January 14, 2008, 09:06:49 PM
First, are you certain you have the proper key for it?
Is the lock frozen, literally, from the cold.

Barring this, you should be able to get to the screws from inside the car. Lay the back seat down & wiggle back.

Once you get the panels off you should be able to manually open the lock. There is a spring clip holding the cylinder in. Remove it & take it to a locksmith & make certain the key & lock match.

I do have the proper key, my dad got it open once about 8 months ago. He had a hard time with it in the S. FL summer heat. Thanks for the advise, I'll give it a try. I kinda figured the cylinder might have to be replaced, but hopes I wouldn't.

And if worse comes to worse, remove the two bolts holding the latch bracket to the hatch itself.  It'll open then!