Rear hatch lock: how does it work?

[katzenjammer]

I'm just diving into a project to replace all my automatic door lock actuators (as in this thread from the FAQ: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=261047).

Due to limited available time slots, severely limited expertise, and the need to keep using the van in the meantime, I'm doing this in stages. I expect to convert to all manual locking to begin with, but before I do: How does the rear hatch lock work? If I remove ONLY the two front door actuators, might the hatch get stuck in the unlocked (or locked) position? If I also take the rear lock actuator out, will it then lock and unlock manually with the key?

I've always been slightly dumfbounded by the lock on the hatch. I never put my key in it; I just lock or unlock the doors as needed to get into the hatch. I don't understand what the other key position is really for. Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Dan
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1990 Westy Multivan, Auto (3.08 R&P) 1.8T by SAH

[syncrodoka]