the panel on the hatch can be removed from the inside with a little bit of work , then you can open with the rods that are part of the lock assembly.it will not be able to open if u shut it again with out doing the inside again so recommended to fix and have parts available before attempting to remove panel,parts r available through most car recycling lots(junk yards).don't like that word they've save me a lot of time and money with very good usable parts for many years.maybe u want to go online and check out the mechanism before attempting any part of this job