I've got a 1998 astro 2wd and the rear hatch will not open from outside. I've had this happen before and found the linkage was disconnected. This time it's something else...electrical I think.
I removed the door lock actuator and used a jumper wire to activate it off the battery. It works. However, I don't think it's getting juice from the push button on the vehicle's outside. I can't hear any clicks or noises when I try to engage the push button.
I noticed a cylindrical doohickey on the back of the push button. Is this a solenoid that activates the lock? If so, do you think that's the problem? When I open the hatch from inside, the dutch doors open fine and their locks seem to work, as do the rest of the vehicle's locks.
Thanks!

Steve V

 

Okay, I guess I'll answer my own question here in hopes of helping others. After several days of screwing around, I rechecked all the fuses. The one for the cigarette lighter was blown. I don't smoke so never would have missed the cig lighter. The other accessory plugs worked all along. However, I replaced it and voila!, the rear hatch worked again!
I don't know why in the hell GM decided to label the fuse for the cig lighter with no mention whatsoever of the rear hatch. What's the more important part?
Oh well, all's well that ends well.