My 2000 XJ's rear hatch won't open by pulling the handle. It almost feels like it's not engaging the latch. I was hoping somebody here had some good advice on what to do as I took the screws out of the inside and can't figure out how to pull the big plastic trim thing off.
I tried working the key back and forth a zillion times, etc... to no success.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions

 

Lean against the right side if the hatch and pull the handle, sometimes that works

 

Or, with one hand- push the hatch in & with the other hand- open with the handle.

 

Lots of threads with photos showing how to open and fix the hatch. Search "hatch" in titles.

 

This is what I do to. Works just fine

 

Just found out a quick and easy fix on another forum.
Heres the link:
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/r...08/index2.html