1996 Chevy Astro van rear hatch release solenoid not responding.

This is a rotating latch assembly.
Assuming there is no physical door damage that keeps this latch from rotating freely;

• Ensure that little fingers haven't pre-rotated the mechanism so that it presents the wrong surface when the door is closed. Operating the electric door unlock feature should return the latch to the correct open position
• -It may be corroded. spray some WD-40 into the mechanism in the door and rotate it, release it with the electric release switch before trying to work it back open if necessary. If this is the issue, finish with some graphite lubricant spray once it is free again
• if the latch does not electrically lock, the choices for your mechanic are, the fuse, the wiring, the body and component connectors including one above the rear end differential which, is exposed to some nasty wet and muddy environments and the actual lock / unlock solenoid at the door latch.

Sorry for the varied answers but the question was a little broad. Good luck.

Is it rusted, or jammed? Was the vehicle in a collision or accident that could have bent or sprung the hatch or mating surfaces?

see if there is an djustment on the striker plate it may be out of adjustment

well, there are six of them. The two solenoids that give you the four gears are the two square ones on the back of the valve body. The big round one is the EPC (pressure) solenoid. All are inside

owners manual page 2-9 peel back or **** the carpet locally to expose the access hole in trim panel on endgate use a thin screwdriver to reach through the access holes in both th trim panel and the hardware cover. pry the release lever toward the passenger side until the glass latch pops open.

you need to go from inside and pry panel. only way to get in

This is the exact problem that developed on my 96 Honda Accord Wagon. I huddled in the back interior with a utility knife and cut my own rectangular access panel into the plastic. A few inches up from the bottom center (just above the actual latch) I found my problem. A broken plastic clip was failing to hold its end of a metal arm into a hole. I stuck the 'L' end back in the hole and used some wire to secure it. Now I have duct tape decor added to my back interior and a working hatch!

THE ACTUAL LATCH MECHANISM IS PROBABLY SEIZED.

Hi: the hatch release is not a motor it is a solenoid, you should hear just a click. If wipers and door locks not working check under the hood in the power distribution box for the 3 Amp fuse and replace. To manually open the hatch get in the back of the unit, in the center of the door below the window where the carpet starts below the plastic run your finger across the carpet, you will find an indentation where you insert a pointed object through the carpet. This allows you to release the latch for the window or hatch. Please rate suggestion....JD

The Shift solenoids are located in the transmission oil pan. I would recommend replacing both shift solenoids while you're in there. Also replace the filter and pan gasket. The shift solenoids are located towards the rear of the valvebody and will be identical to each other. They are held in place by a retaining clip which is easily removed with a small screwdriver or similar tool. Care must be taken as parts may fly out of the bore when the solenoids are removed. Hope this helps.