The user's manual for the 2013 Honda Fit is located at http://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/p...3/K61313OM.pdf. Page 266 shows how to manually open the tailgate when the power lock isn't working. You need to use a slot screwdriver to remove the cover to the manual unlocking lever. I tried to do this using a 1/4" slot screwdriver, but the cover refused to budge. I was afraid that exerting any more effort would break something. There was already some plastic scraping (yes, I covered the screwdriver with a cloth). I'm pretty sure that I'm doing this right because cover for the towing hook (page 265) comes off the same way, and I had no problem with that. The temperature was about -10 Celsius (+14 Fahrenheit) -- it's hard to find a warm place this time of year.

How far do you have to shove the screwdriver in before trying to pry the lid off? Is it possible that the cold is making the plastic too inflexible for the lid to be pried off?

 

Use a slightly wider screwdriver and twist it. Can't shove it in too far.

Why do you want to take this off when it is so cold?

 

My car has only power locks, so if that fails from some reason, there is no manual way to open the tailgate except using the unlocking lever. I am doing a dry run of using the lever so that I know exactly what to do when the need arises.

As for why do this when it is so cold...it's really a good idea to test the process in the conditions under which you expect to use it. It's winter, and that is the conditions under which I expect to use it. Especially if I have to get to the spare tire (and I haven't gathered the energy to go thru a dry run of changing the tire yet). Also, it's hard *not* to test the process in the cold because it's just darn cold everywhere right now. Also, I was at the hardware store purchasing the screwdriver for this process, and the store manager was kind enough to let me try it first. It was cold.

About using a wider screwdriver...it's already a quarter inch, which is pretty wide. I'm also suppose to use a cloth to prevent damage to the moulding, so I fear that a bigger screwdriver would not fit.

Sigh.

I'll try it on a warmer day to see if it is in fact the hardened plastic in cold weather. If it is, that doesn't bode well for the usefulness of the lever in cold weather.

 

Sounds like a serious case of OCD. I am not too worried I will have both a flat and unable to open hatch occurring at the same time. I suspect if that should occur I have survived the accident and waiting for the tow truck.

I meant a wider not thicker screwdriver. What your Fit did not come with the required screwdriver? Most come with a panel remover and a 10 mm socket. With those two tools you can pretty much completely dismantle a Fit.

Anyhow good luck on opening the hatch. Oh there is no spare tire in there you know.

 

That's not OCD. There is a very specific definition for OCD. What I'm doing is reading the manual and trying to make the content useful by trying out what it says. In the kind of situation that one is likely to need to use it. You know, the kind of thing that most people are finger wagged for not taking the time to do. It's more motivated by a sense of dicsipline and due diligence.

I understood what you meant about a wider screw driver. The manual pretty well describes what is included.

I'll definitely looking into the spare tire. Thanks.

 

The phrase obsessive–compulsive has become part of the English lexicon, and is often used in an informal or caricatured manner to describe someone who is excessively meticulous, perfectionistic, absorbed, or otherwise fixated.[2] Although these signs are present in OCD, a person who exhibits them does not necessarily have OCD, but may instead have obsessive–compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), etc

When I went to lad groceries today I noticed that little panel and had a chuckle. I was tempted to pry it off with a coin but it was raining.. I have some used dental picks which would work very well on the panel Just hook it in the slot and yank. It will come off.

Now where are you going to store the screwdriver? I carry a miniature Swiss Army knife in my Fit in a cup holder. Sharp enough to cut that piece out it I really need to get in there.

 

Blackser is that u?

 

Whew. I actually read through that. I would say that excessive quoting of academic references for colloquial usage of a term that was formerly only clinical is a resounding demonstration of what I read! My mechanic will attest to the fact that I am not fixated enough on due diligence, and it's actually a huge effort to do my duty an go through the manual to ensure that it is meaningful. Believe me, I'm not at risk of endlessly ruminating on its contents -- when all is said and done, it will be hard to go back to it. As I said, its a matter of owner responsibility, and if I'm going to do it, it will be in a way that is useful rather than pretending to go through the motions. Good thing, too, now I know there's an "challenge" trying to get to the tailgate lever.

But while we're at it, let me elaborate. If you've done engineering, software development, process development, competitive athletic training, presentation to an audience, or *even* publishing academic papers [ ], you will recognize that not subjecting something to the environment similar to that for which it was meant (that something being the process of accessing the tailgate lever in this case) is a definite invitation for failure. It is not an excessive fear of failure, as defined in your genenerously provided links; it is quite assured. This is just the application of a broadly recognized principle to a very simple situation. And it revealed a (literally) sticky point right off the bat.

About dental picks...if the plastic is starting to scrape off with a screwdriver, dental picks will likely fair similarly. But I'll keep it in mind for after I solve the stickiness problem (though by then, I wouldn't need alternative means of removing the cover).

About where to put the screwdriver, in the glove compartment. I guess I could do as you suggest and cut the piece out if needed. It's not something I would want to wrestle with using cold numb hands. Along those lines, I could probably force the screwdriver and break the cover if necessary. If possible, I'll try to solve the problem and make the documented way work.

 

Nah I use the big hammer as well.

Whew! That being said good luck on the removal. Keep us informed of your progress. I would not worry too much about a scratch on the bit. Other than you knowing you mangled it no one else will ever see it.

Merry Christmas.

 

It must have been the cold temperature. Today, it was hovering just below freezing, and the cover popped off without much fuss. It looks like I should keep the cover off for the winter. For that matter, might as well just get rid of it.

 

DOWN WITH THE INTERIOR PIECES! For their weight holds us back!

Side note: I know the GE8 guys/gals can remove the tailgate garnish above the license plate, is the same possible for the GD3? I'd like to paint mine black to go along with some black headlights I picked up.

 

Huh! So *that's* why the little bugger won't accelerate beyond a certain point when I gun it.