thezfunk

I had been having issues for a while. It would take two or three pulls to open it on the latch. I know to fix the issue I have to take the interior trim off and adjust it but now I can't get it open at all. Any suggestions?

cherokee94&99

Pull the plastic finishing panel off. You have to take the handle off too, that requires a star bit if you haven't done it before. Once you have the panel pulled out far enough just grab the threaded rod and pull it down i think it is and it will release.

Redsnake

Not sure what year you have... but on my '01 XJ every once in a while I'll have to push in on the hatch area (right around the license plate) and then pull the latch (same time while pushing in the hatch) and it will release. Might be a quick way to get your hatch open.

thezfunk

It's a '98 and that's exactly what used to work but not anymore. I don't see a way to get the inside trim pieces off with the door closed

9294Forrest

Climb in the back with it shut. Let open the plastic , reach in, pop it open, then when open, take the plastic off n tighten it all up

thezfunk

That worked. I adjusted it but it still sometimes takes two pulls to open. I PB blasted everything in there after I adjusted and now it works slightly better. Everything still seems loose and I can't find a screw to tighten it all up with. Still, at least now it opens! Thanks guys.

9294Forrest

I do mine 1x per year

Reddskie

Happens to me a bunch ....is ur rear bumper bent up at all ??? That'll do it too .

thezfunk

The bumper isn't but the rear tailgate is pushed in ever so slightly. Whoever owned it last either backed into something or got bumped from behind by another car. I have no doubt that is also part of the problem.

9294Forrest

Yup mine too

Reddskie

BFH will take care of that