Bumped a tree with the hatch open and when I closed it, it wouldn't open. Can I get to the latch to see if I can fix it?

Here's what you can try to open the hatch of your 2004 Buick Rendezvous:

Open the hatch and slip a screwdriver's shaft into the opening of the latch (simulating that the latch has engaged the metal bar on the floor of the SUV).

Apply pressure in the latch via the shaft of the screwdriver. While pulling against the latch, operate the unlock button of the fob or unlock with the key (whichever your truck has) .

If this doesn't work, you may want to consider taking your car to a professional mechanic or a Buick dealership for further assistance. But here is video on how to remove a window, if that servers any help. Door Window Removal And Installation Buick Rendezvous (youtube.com)

if latch is down in secure position use a key or screw driver to reset it the following shows how to reset latches
FIX CAR DOOR LATCH if the latch is damaged internally will need to remove he panel and examine the rods and or springs for damage or disconnect and as to worrying about a dead battery undo the fuse or relay

Open the hatch and slip a screwdriver's shaft into the opening of the latch (simulating that the latch has engaged the metal bar on the floor of the SUV). Apply pressure in the latch via the shaft of the screwdriver. While pulling against the latch, operate the unlock button of the fob or unlock with the key (whichever your truck has). When it is unlocked the latch will allow the screwdriver to open the jaws of the latch and pull through them. The latch jaws should now be open and you should be able to close the hatch and have it latch and lock.

you dont say which latch it is but check the part that latches on the stud sticking out. if its closed just pull open handle and manually flip the latch open an should work fine.

try using the handle while prying up on the locking clip, the pin should pop up allowing you to close the lid

If, when closing the rear hatch, it hits "hard" just before it reaches the closed position; it is very likely that the latch mechanism in the hatch is "stuck" in the latched or closed position already. This is a fairly common occurrence and takes less than a few minutes to fix. Literally.

In order to allow the latch to close around the mating piece on the car body, it will need to be opened first. To open a closed latch mechanism, you will need to simulate opening the hatch from its normal closed position. With the hatch open, look at the latch mechanism. It will align with the bar on the opening of the car. Adjust the hatch / your view to see how the mechanism would be wrapped around the bar on the body - keeping the hatch securely shut. Once you see an opening in the mechanism described above, slip the shaft of a sturdy screwdriver into the opening. Apply a pulling pressure outward - away from the latch on the screwdriver with one hand, and with the other hand (or with the help of an assistant), operate the handle / lock of the hatch the way you did when the hatch was closed. Immediately upon operating the handle / lock, the latch mechanism will unlock, and the pulling pressure of the screwdriver simulates the hatch being pulled away from the bar on the car - and seemingly magically - open allowing the screwdriver to be pulled out.

Next, you'll need to determine and correct the cause of the latch being in the wrong position. It could be something as simple as someone pushing the mechanism shut when the hatch was open; or it may be caused by a poorly lubricated mechanism that is not snapping into a fully open position. When this happens, it is likely the the closing motion of the hatch actually snaps the mechanism shut when it is stuck on the leading edge of the latch - instead of in the "throat" of the latch (where the screwdriver was). A liberal amount of a dry lubricant such as silicone or graphite applied to the mechanism and "worked in" through repeated opening and closing motions of the hatch would be a good start. Resist the temptation of using a wet lubricant like oil, grease, WD-40, etc. as these attract dirt and dust - which can interfere with a nice, fluid movement of the these latching parts. If there is already a lot of dirt, dust or rust, build up on the latch mechanism, it should be cleaned as good as possible before applying lubricant. Use an electrical contact type cleaner as these clean, degrease, dry quickly and leave no residue.

If you are unable to to get the latch to work - have your mechanic or auto servicer look at it. They should be able to quickly diagnose and free the latch. Most will not even bother to charge you to do this - if this is the cause of the problem.

I hope this helps & good luck!

Is there something that could have fallen in the hinge or door jam that may be preventing the hatch from closing properly? Check near the latch? Could the latch have somehow closed on the hatch while it was still open, and now can't close?
You'd have to take a screw driver, release the latch (lift up the handle, rotate the key) and then "move" the latch to the "open" position and then try closing the hatch again.
Hope this helps!
/denis

You can use a flat blade screwdriver and use it on the latch to release (open) the mechanism so the hatch will latch next time you close it.

sure... but you can test the latch first.... use the shaft of a small/medium screwdriver and see if you can catch both parts of the latch

more often than not you have created an alignment problem with the latch and striker and you will need to realign your door... tough job even for the most experienced because even if you get the latch to work again you still have seal issues to deal with which will cause water leaks if not done right

Unfortunately, you will have to remove the panel of the door, Use flathead screwdriver to pry open. It is very likely the spring fell off.