hi everybody,

i've got a 1997 montero sport with the spare tire carrier that swings outward. for some reason, the carrier has ceased to release from the fender. the handle in the black plastic "lock-box" moves up and down but does not catch on anything, whether it is locked or unlocked. the thing is totally stuck and i cannot open the back.

does anyone have any suggestions on this problem? perhaps if i could get into the lock-box i could deal with this, but the thing was obviously designed to deter its being opened. it has weird little plastic bolts stuck into the sides that don't seem to want to be removed.

anyway i'd appreciate any help. thanks in advance.