I have a 97 ss and have two problems that I can't find answers for.
1) Every time it rains I get a flood of water in the drivers side floor. It seems to be coming from the kick panel where the hood release is located. I have removed the cowl grill and cleaned it out even though there was no visable blockage but that didn't help. Any suggestions?
2) My rear hatch won't open. You can hear the switch activate when you press the key fob but it doesn't release. The key turns but it in the lock but it does not release. How do I get it open? I can't get to the spare if I should happen to get a flat.
HELP

 

The water is almost always seals. Sit inside the car and have someone hose down the window/door while you watch for leaks. It may be necessary to remove some of the trim, like the lower right kick panel, et.al.

Sound like the soleniod failed or the link between it and the latch came off. My 97 is a vert. so I'm not sure if there is a manual "unlatch" cord or not. Most modern cars have them! Anyway if you climb in the back and remove the trim you can then get to the latch. It's a pain in the *** but can be done!!

 

might also have someone help by grabbing the bottom lip of the hatch while you turn and wiggle the crap outta the key, just make sure they dont get carried away and crack the fiberglass. Have had one stick like that before. If that dont help, you may have to do what z28sorr said and take the trim panel off from the inside and use a screwdriver to turn the lock assembly. Your leak could also be the windsheild..... if it gets the chance to blow at the bottom edge or somethin.

 

Thanks. I solved the hatch problem but still have the water problem. I am down to the gromet on the firewall around the hood release cable. If that doesn't fix it i'll try 5 gal. of gas and a match.