How to Fix/Repair Rear Hatch Door Handle + Latch: Honda Fit/Jazz 2007 2008

The rear hatch door won't open on my 2007 Honda Fit Sport. The handle is stiff from rust and the latch is broken, so I'll show how to replace both the Handle 74810-S6A-003 and the Latch Lock Actuator assembly 74801-SAA-E21.
Honda Genuine Latch Assembly: amzn.to/3WpCBbk
Honda Genuine Hatch Door Handle: amzn.to/3XnxrOy
Aftermarket Latch Assembly: amzn.to/3wc2BMN
Aftermarket Hatch Door Handle: amzn.to/3WzKV8R
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Instagram: 6th_gear
6thGearGarage

[@scottthanasiu2734]

OK, probably the most realistic "how to repair something" video I've EVER watched - this is how s#!t REALLY goes when working on ANYTHING old!! - a car, a house, an appliance, whatever. Refreshing! Thank You!

[@6thGearGarage]

100% Nothing ever goes smoothly on a vehicle when you live in Ohio!

[@scottthanasiu2734]

Also, with the 3 screws that secure the latch mechanism in place, I recommend a good ratchet with a flattened (not pointy) Phillips driver, instead of a screwdriver, for greater torque. And applying PB Blaster or some other rust breaking lubricant first, is a great idea (as shown in your video). Thank you!!

[@1pcmedic]

I took mine out today, didn't have to remove the rear wiper, just poped the drivers side of the outside panel up. The handle came right out when i lifted the outside trim piece. New handle coming tomorrow.

[@MichelleCantuLonewolfay]

So glad I found your video. I was given my mother's 2008 fit, and it has the same freaking problem. It's rust city because the car mostly sat parked in NYC since the pandemic!

[@6thGearGarage]

These are great little cars. I'm surprised how much I like mine!

[@poewitx]

Just got a 2007 Fit, for a real good deal, and the back hatch won’t open, so glad I found you vid🙃

[@6thGearGarage]

Hope yours isn’t as rusty as mine 👍

[@poewitx]

I am amazed at your stick- to-it - ive- ness, I would’ve given way long ago. Looks like I’ll,be taking mine Fit to mechanic to replace my hatch handle, but your vid was informative

[@6thGearGarage]

Oh I wanted to give up but I figured it would make for a better video if I figured it out 😁

[@poewitx]

I found myself rooting for you with those latch Phillips head screws🥳🥳

[@annevanvalen5716]

KZbin and WD to the rescue! Thanks!😅

[@bobthurston4926]

Thank you so much for this 🙏

[@6thGearGarage]

You're welcome!

[@robrhamy8551]

Instead of removing that outer trim, I cut the hole in the sheet metal bigger so that I didn"t have to rotate the handle to get it out. I used an oscillatory tool to cut the sheet metal above where the latch sticks through it. If the original latch is frozen, it's easy enough to just cut the little arm off of the old latch. It's an easy cut.

[@6thGearGarage]

Good idea!

[@wayneconn1079]

I fitted the new lock mech and all seemed great . Then after locking it . The handle seemed weak and wouldnt release again like before . I wonder if its the cable.or handle ? I then have to get into the boot and pull the lever across to get it open . After that its seems fine ?

[@6thGearGarage]

so it only happened the one time?

[@bonniek4798]

Hello.. I too have a 2007 Honda fit in Canada and have the exact same problem with the latch…I watched you trying to take the handle out and had to laugh as I went to through the exact same motions! I am in Canada so was pretty cold these few months and have not been able to put the new handle on yet…I managed to get the old one out without cutting the bolt off but can’t put the new one in the same way. I wanted to ask when you cut off the rusty bolt head with a dremmel did you just put a new bolt in and it worked fine? I wasn’t sure if I have to have the exact same type that was rusted to replace or did you get away with a washer and nut and bolt? You didn’t show this in the video unfortunately:(

[@6thGearGarage]

I was so done with that trim piece, that I just left the cut bolt as-is. I figured nothing short of being rear-ended by a semi is going to cause that trim cover to ever come off. It has been fine so far, but it might not be a bad idea to put a new bolt/nut/washer on- just use stainless!

[@roglez7203]

do you know if the handle of the 2009 honda fit is the same as the 2006 honda fit?

[@6thGearGarage]

Yes, it should be the same part.

[@ObsceneSuperMatt]

4:00 it is possible to force it out without removing the panel, but absurdly difficult to get the new one in, so best just to remove the panel in the first place, I think.

[@ramtamsurf906]

Anyone got any advice on what to do if that little tab that opens the door isnt releasing even after I move it over? Thanks.

[@6thGearGarage]

Maybe the latch itself is seized?

[@ramtamsurf906]

@@6thGearGarage That is kinda what it feels like, yeah. Not quite sure what to do about it lol

[@portiamthombeni3736]

? Hi there, i have the same problem. Did u find a solution to yours

[@ramtamsurf906]

@@portiamthombeni3736 yes, I really had to push on it really hard. I hit it with PB blaster first. However, i didnt want that happening again and I bought a replacement part and its been working great ever since.

[@mkrp4]

In California it's possible to rust free good used parts (from PYP) This is my first part choice Dealer is the next

[@6thGearGarage]

I need to start buying vehicles from CA

[@aWedrownik307]

My fit IS just as rusty, unfortunately. I hope this goes well.🤞

[@6thGearGarage]

Good luck… let those bolts soak in on blaster for a couple days first 👍

[@mkrp4]

On the base model there is only one (green) wire connector to the rear latch

[@6thGearGarage]

Yeah, base model also has a keyhole on the rear hatch. Sport only has electronic internal lock.

[@peggymonroe4759]

My hatch won't lock.. is it supposed to?

[@6thGearGarage]

Yes, mine locks with the doors. The sport model does not have a keyhole.

[@peggymonroe4759]

@@6thGearGarage Thanks for responding...I havethe sport model also but the hatch does not lock with the doors...don't know why..

[@1pcmedic]

If it won't lock, the handle is rusty and the handle does not return to the home position. PUSH the handle toward the DRIVER, then it will lock. Its stuck in the PULL position and does not return to the home position due to the rust.

[@zedzed1046]

Been there, enough to make a grown man weep, never got it off in the end (handle) just soaked it in WD40, lasts a few months and repeat.

[@foggy460]

Here in the UK all our cars look rusty like that.

[@6thGearGarage]

Do they use road salt there too?

[@foggy460]

@@6thGearGarage yes all winter.

[@sblack48]

Both my fits had this problem. Really crappy design on an otherwise amazing car

[@6thGearGarage]

Totally agree, for such an economical car it is a lot of fun to drive.

[@charliecoco2115]

Honda Jazz in UK. Crap name I know.

[@1pcmedic]

Don't buy any USED car from the rust belt if you value your money! If they made the pin in the latch handle out of stainless steel, NOBODY WOULD HAVE THIS PROBLEM with this handle. Poor engineering, the replacement part should have been upgraded.

[@6thGearGarage]

100% I never want to do this job again!