So I just got home from a nice weekend vacation for my daughter's birthday. We drove my 2000 XJ because its got more room than our other vehicles. My parents bought my 3 year old daughter a Pink Power Wheels Jeep that is currently inside of my XJ. Wouldnt you know it, the hatch now will not open. Its not locked, I checked. Of course there is no room at all to get inside the vehicle and try to get it open. Any suggestions?

 

My hatch did this a couple times before I adjusted it. I had to push firmly with my left hand on the lower left corner of the hatch while pulling on the handle and it released easily. There's a few write ups on here about adjusting the hatch and resolving this issue.

 

excellent. Glad to hear it, I will try that after kids are in bed.

I have a pretty anxious little girl who wants her jeep to play with...

 

Mine freezes sometimes. Like, not frozen shut, but the latch itself will freeze and won't unlatch. What are temps like where you're at?

 

Mine wouldn't open because the plastic cover interfered with the latch mechanism.

I use to have to push the hatch in with one hand & lift up on the handle with the other, for it to open. Once I removed the cover I can open it one handed.

 

Same problem, also a 2000 XJ, I did the adjustment, works most of the time but when it won't release I push on the hatch just above the latch handle, then pull the handle at the same time. It always works, good luck.

 

I had this problem when I replaced the rubber bump stops on my 99 hatch. I thought I had it adjusted properly but it seems that any pressure on the door will cause the latch to get stuck. Is it possible that the power wheels is up against the hatch applying pressure? Maybe you can lower the back seat to move it off of the hatch.

 

Move xj to different parking spot could just be on a bind .

 

I know this sounds crazy. Push in on the sheet metal to the immediate left of the handle with the palm of your hand while opening. You don't have to push hard, just a bit. Worked on mine, then I rebuilt the latch.

 

I lost a rear wiper mounting screw that fell into and prevented the latch from releasing. I found it after popping the inside cover off...which, will be difficult with a Jeep inside your Jeep.


Good Luck.


s

 

Wiggling the handle....and pushing the sheet metal as most others have already mentioned should help...for a more permanent fix, search the forum...here is one thread that might help...

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/rea...97-01-a-31679/