Hi, I've been looking all over for a detailed, or really any instruction on removing the old style XJ push button liftgate lock cylinder. I just got a 95 XJ, and the key to the rear hatch is all bent out of shape so I'd love to just take the cylinder out and re-key it to my ignition key instead of pulling the ENTIRE assembly with the plastic piece, but I don't know how to properly remove it. I just keep seeing that people break the plastic on the outside trying to remove it, but don't talk about actually removing the cylinder. The videos I've seen are of people doing 97+ cherokees which is a whole different cylinder/lock and handle.

Thanks

 

I don't know of a specific writeup or video but I replaced the handle on my '88 some years ago. It's actually pretty simple.

You do need to remove the liftgate trim panel from the inside. The lock is held in by a spring retainer (see image below). As I recall, just pull the retainer and the lock pops out. Just remember the order. Be careful removing the handle as there's a gasket behind it that may tear.

However, there have been threads before about rekeying the lock. Apparently the liftgate lock is staked together. The "paddle" on the end actually rotates the latch to lock/unlock. So the cylinder doesn't come out like the door locks.

Did you rekey the door locks? On my '88 the "slots" along the length of the keys are different so ign key won't actually fit in the door locks.

 

This is what I could find, hope it helps

 

Oh that's interesting. On my old 92 cherokee, the lift gate, door locks, and ignition were all the same exact key and keyed to that exact key only. I didn't have to fumble around with keys. But, I did end up going to a lock smith and just having them make me a new key, somehow they managed to see how mangled and twisted the key was, and made a perfect replica so I ended up not having to pull it out of my 95, HOWEVER, I did use that diagram to pull one out of the junk yard, and let me tell ya, that retainer clip is absolutely no joke in that limited space area you have to pry it off and you will most likely end up breaking the gasket off.

Thanks for the help!