Lije

My hatch stays open sometimes but other times it will only stay about half-way up.

Any ideas on what might be going on?

Fsher21

The hatch is held up by hydraulics I believe. Just see if that is failing, and replace it from the JY. Or buy new, search for jeep cherokee hydraulic hatch struts.

xjmuddigger

xj's have weak shocks,its a normal thing,mine is the smae way,u can use 96 ford explorer hatch shocks,theyll sit about 3inches lower but are beffier

Skunkape

Yeah the struts are worn out,mine does it when it gets cold outside,never have any problems in the summer.I just havent got around to replacing em.I have a buddy that replaced his with some off an Explorer and they work awsome

XJeepWerks

The gas struts holding up your hatch are failing, as previously stated in this thread. They more often become weak in the winter because when the gas inside of them gets cold it shrinks, giving the shock less pressure. For a temporary fix, take a vise grip and clamp it on the chrome rod right against the shock body with the hatch all the way open. That should hold it up for you, if not, tighten the vise grip. For a permanent fix, go to your local autoparts store and find replacement struts, they're usually between 10 and 30 bucks a piece and super simple to replace. (Hardest part is holding the hatch up while you replace it.)

mike albo

yep bad struts,you can use vise grips or carry a broom stick around with you for a prop rod

XJeepWerks

Haha.. I recommend against the broom stick prop... It really sucks when the prop falls out or gets knocked out and the hatch lands on your head. It's a great last resort though.

xjmuddigger

i used the broom stick idea one time,i got welt on my head,so i dont use a broom stick anymore haha

XJeepWerks

Haha yea.. I work on the loading dock at Home Depot loading customers cars... Every time I see someone prop their hatch or truck cap glass up with something I take it out and put my vise grips on it. Getting hit in the head got old REAL quick.

xjmuddigger

i didnt kno about the vice grips thing,so i reckon ima start that till i get sum exploder shocks for it

XJeepWerks

Glad I could help. I actually picked it up off of someone at work... I didn't know about it either.