SD_Kouki

Problem: Hatch lever won't open the trunk unless you have a friend with you to open the trunk while you pull the lever. Trunk will lock if you shut the door after you pull the lever up.
Cost to Fix: 20 cents
Time: 30 seconds

So I'm not sure if anyone's done a write up on this yet, so I figured I'd go ahead and do one to help anyone else that has this problem. If it's been done, I'm sorry...if not, hope this helps a few. After reading other threads, I've tried WD-40'ing the crap out of the lock assembly, did not work. I've tried positioning the lock assembly to sit lower by unbolting the two bolts and sliding it as far down as the chassis allows, did not work. In one of the threads, someone mentioned putting two screws in the "black plastic things" to solve the problem. Seeing as how I've tried everything else, I figured I'd give this method a shot. Located the black plastic things on the undersides of the hatch, put two screws, one in each and low and behold....it worked! Now I don't have to use my phone or my seatbelt to hold the lever up while I open the trunk, it pops up on its own.

I'd like to say that this was not my idea, some other genius thought of this in another thread I'm just spreading the word in hopes it will help others that have this issue. If whoevers idea this is reads this, feel free to chime in and take credit, and I'll update the thread with your name in it!! I'd recommend NOT SLAMMING your car door shut after you pull the hatch lever as this is what causes the lever to go back down. Just keep the door cracked, open your hatch and then feel free to close your door.

Here's some pics:
Lock assembly...you can see that I've slid it down to the lowest point -


Screw in the black plastic things. I used two of the screws that holds the plastic trim piece right behind my center garnish, inside my trunk -