Can’t open boot

[Keekster71]

Hi,
I’ve got a 08 plate 1.4 jazz mk1. Great car, my third. I now have a problem with the tailgate. It’s seems it’s common but I’ve tried a few things and no luck. If you press the button on the key fob to unlock the doors then pull the handle it won’t open. I’ve pulled the round blanking plug out of the interior trim panel and have tried pushing the lever to the right (as you look at it) which according to the drivers manual should open it but it doesn’t which is annoying. You can see the lever move a little when you press the lock and unlock buttons on the fob. So what do I do. I can’t see how to remove the interior trim panel without opening the door first which I can’t do. Do I have to destroy it to get it off? Even if I do how can I free off the mechanism? Looks like it’s hidden inside the tail gate. Also photos on the net show the lock mechanism being covered in a white plastic cover, so not clear how to free it off. If I have to replace it I still need to open the door first!!
Any advice would be much appreciated 

[sparky Paul]

Are you sure it's not just the common stiff boot release handle syndrome?

Lock the car, push the boot release handle fully forwards towards the tailgate, making sure it's hard against the stop, then unlock the car and try again.

[Keekster71]

Should have put my glasses on first . Thanks, yes rust has built up stopping handle fully retract. Good spray with copper grease and working the handle has solved it. It’s surprising it only needs a few mm for it to stop opening.
Cheers 

[sparky Paul]

It doesn't need much, as you say - just off the stop will do it. Easy to miss, as it can look fully retracted.

[Scotty]

Does anyone know how easy it is to take out and replace boot lock mechanism on a 2005 Jazz?
Youtube isn't much help. One vid showed a car that looks different to mine and removal of the wiper motor and many other things were necessary, surely not?