I think your right. Apparently there is a sliding rod that is part of the
locking system. Since when the lock button is pushed, the lid raises slightly,
but hangs up on the sliding rod. Also, there is no way to bypass this system.
Older models must have had the same problem as there use to be an emergency pull
ring under the back seat but not on my 86 model. What a *****. I'll try the
hammer route but I don't hold any hopes as, if it is the rod, its operation
seems to be activated by the vacuum circuit and if the linkage is damaged or
broke hammering on the lock button won't have much of an effect. Whats' the
"hard route" ?? A torch ???