I posted my liftgate problem, got some good advice, and followed. First off don't try to take your liftgate interior panel off from the inside, there are 4 screws that are in the door jam behind the struts. Just (pop) the panel in the middle right below the window - where your wiper motor is. Get a flash light or just reach down into the access hole, find the back side of the handle - to the right of the handle is a verticle bar, if you move it to the left (passenger side) it will unlock - move it to the right (drivers side) you will lock it. Now to OPEN the lift gate, unlock and simply pull that same bar straight up. Now to adjust the bar. Take your panel off, release the verticle bar from the clamp, pull the bar up just a little, reclamp it and try your (like new) latch.

 

sometimes if you push down on the left side of the door from the outside while you try to open it itll pop open at least mine does sometimes.. lol

 

Yup, did that a couple times - then nuthin. Had to go in...

 

the "Whats this" in the pic is probably wiring for the rear washer motor or the liscence plate light maybe

 

I dont think so - it's connected directly to the latch, I don't have power locks. Any more guesses?

 

The latch mechanism controls the dome light. When the hatch is opened the light comes on.

 

Leave it to ol"blue to figure things out - makes perfect sence now.

 

Are there any permanent fixes for this?Mine has gone to slipping loose every couple of weeks... I've just left the rear panel off for easier access...

 

Go find one in a junk yard. I bought one off someone parting out a Cherokee.

 

Boom, mine slipped again - I'll check it out 1 more time. Maybe I'll zip-tie it. after that off to the JY. the cargo area is pretty important in an SUV.

 

Yup, same here. I love watching my friends trying to open the hatch.
Just another one of those jeep things.

 

zip tie did it for me, used to fall off ~every 2 weeks, hasn't in 4 months now.

 

zip ties ROCK

 

A Great Big Thank You for this thread. It describes my problem ( and hopefully the solution) exactly.
And a reminder to use the SEARCH THIS FORUM function. There are several similar "lift gate" threads, but this one even has helpful pictures to make it easy to understand.