Several years ago i seem to recall a similar problem on my 87 Vanagon  -  i
sprayed some WD-40 in the lock via the key opening and it worked for me.
Never had a problem again.  Might be worth a try for you as well.

Claudio Cella
87   Vanagon  GL  7 passenger
90   Jetta TD

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jere Hawn" <jbrschawn@EARTHLINK.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, October 07, 2002 12:13 PM
Subject: Rear Hatch Lock

> Hi All,
>
> Has anyone experienced intermittent failure of the rear hatch lock (88
> wolfy with power locks)?  It occasionally will not open, it feels like
> the key is not engaging...
>
> Jere
> 90 GL
> 88 GL
>