My 2005 chevy Equinox rear hatch will not open.

Yes, you should be able to use the key to unlock the rear hatch of your 2009 Equinox even if the car battery is dead. The lock cylinder for the rear hatch is likely located on the outside of the hatch itself, or it may be located on the door handle. To unlock the hatch with the key, insert the key into the lock cylinder and turn it clockwise. If the key won't turn or the hatch won't open, you may need to wiggle the key or apply more pressure to unlock the hatch. If the key won't go into the lock cylinder at all, it is possible that the lock is frozen or damaged and will need to be repaired or replaced. You may also be able to use the manual release for the rear hatch, which is usually located inside the vehicle, near the driver's side door or on the underside of the dashboard.

Remove the inner trim panel and manually trip the latch and then test the release mechanism.

There may be a plug at the bottom of the rear hatch trim panel (on the inside of the car). You can remove the plug and stick a flat-bladed screwdriver in the hole to release the latch. Try a different size screwdriver if the one you use just spins. The latch has a square hole you are trying to release.

First off, the sound you mention may be the "ka-tunk, ka-tunk, ka-tunk" sound related to the vehicle vapor recovery valve under and in the back of the car related to vehicle fuel tank vapor recovery. This electro - mechanical valve operates while the car is on or off.

During time when you can fully open the hatch, Start by cleaning the rubber seals all around the hatch with a silicone treatment to prevent sticking.

Spray a lubricant that will not harm paint into the 2 hinges inboard of the upper struts. Spray some lubricant onto a paper towel and rub down the shafts of the struts as well to remove any glazing that may have built up.

Inspect the exposed paint areas of the hatchway and the hatch itself for signs of scuffing which may validate intermittent heat swelling of a tight space requiring panel realignment.

The following can be dangerous so have a qualified mechanic;
Inspect the installation of, remove and test the function of the struts to eliminate a source of binding. The end of the strut with the rounded cap attaches to the car body.

Have a body person inspect the installation of the outer rain seal at the closed top of the hatch. I had a shop owner ask to inspect mine years ago as they couldn't see how it installed on a car they were repairing. Could be a source of hang up.

Hopefully, this helps.

There are two rear Wheel hub on a chevy equinox. You also have a rear differential containing bearings.

Most likly is the rear hatch latch it self. should be to much money to do youself youll have to remove any int panles on lift gate unplug latch there maybe a rod or two connected to latch couple bolts and pull it out

open rear hatch remove the bolts by roof line that hold down spoiler that houses third light unscrew light unplug connection replace

I've had the exact opposite issue with my 2005 Equinox.
My rear door is locked and will not unlock.

where is the fuse for the back hatch becaue I can't find it ?

ive got a 07 equinox and the rear hatch wont open as of yesterday. on the inside of the hatch there is an access plug you can pop off and inside you'll see a metal switch with a hole in it. if you push it away from yourself, it will unlatch it. i dont know why the hatch wont open as ive checked the fuse and its ok.