jimbo98xj

my rear hatch wont open ive been having a problem with it but it would open after a couple try
now it wont open at all
and yes it is unlocked
is there anything i can do or is this a job for someone else

OverlandZJ

Crawl under the Jeep and unbolt the striker, you should be able to open the hatch and then find what the issue is without destroying the interior hatch panel.

freegdr

mine has done this acouple of time the cause on mine was body flex are you parked on level ground jm2cw

DaddyCat

Good advice from overland. However if you want to try from inside you can pull the top of the hatch/lift gate panel away from the lift gate and with a flashlight see the rod that actuates the release. Easier to see the rod if a friend operates the outside handle. Use a wire coat hanger or broom handle with a bent nail to operate the rod to open the liftgate. The rod is adjustable, so when you get it open remove the interior panel and adjust the rod (tighter I would assume). Try the liftgate after adjusting with the panel off to check your work.

lateralustool89

What daddy cat said but you may be able to use just your hand to pull the lock open atleast i did

XJ-92

a good kick will do it with a friend pushing in on the button. ive done it many times never broke anything

jimbo98xj

thanks for all the help
i got it open friday
i unbolted the striker plate and opened the hatch the problem was that the latch on the inside of the door wont work at all soo im getting one from somebody
thanks again