Different Take On Rear Lock Problem

[Sirecks]

Hey All,

I'm new to this forum, and really need an answer.

I've replaced the latch assembly on the rear hatch door a couple of times. I've taken the interior panel off many times to pull on the cable to actuate the latching mechanism to open the door. So I am very familiar with all that.

The problem I have today is that when I pull on the cable, there is a clanking sound from the latching mechanism (the lower part that actually latches, not the handle mechanism that you put your hand on to pull the cable) and the door won't open. I have actually taken the ball end of the cable out of the arm that is attached to the handle and pulled on it with a pair of pliers. I'm not a small guy, so I was able to put some pressure on it and I can not get the latch to pop open. The cable travels about 2 inches or so, then stops with no further movement. There is a metal on metal clank sound each time the cable reaches the end of it's travels.

I can not find a way to pop the rear hatch open in this situation.

Any ideas, or any experience with this?

Thanks,
Adam