Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

need help rear hatch lock

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 15, 2011 | 02:17 PM
  #1  
jimbo98xj's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
From: slidell, LA
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L inline 6 cylinder
Default need help rear hatch lock

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
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2011 | 02:25 PM
  #2  
OverlandZJ's Avatar
CF Veteran
Premium Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,188
Likes: 6
From: Bristol,Pa
Year: 94
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

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.
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2011 | 04:48 PM
  #3  
freegdr's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 38
From: Broward County Fl.
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
Default

mine has done this acouple of time the cause on mine was body flex are you parked on level ground jm2cw
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2011 | 04:54 PM
  #4  
DaddyCat's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 801
Likes: 1
From: N. IL
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

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.
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2011 | 07:11 PM
  #5  
lateralustool89's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 38
Likes: 4
From: Corpus Christi
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

What daddy cat said but you may be able to use just your hand to pull the lock open atleast i did
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2011 | 07:42 PM
  #6  
XJ-92's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,450
Likes: 2
From: Dubuque IA,Libertyville IL
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Default

a good kick will do it with a friend pushing in on the button. ive done it many times never broke anything
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2011 | 09:37 PM
  #7  
jimbo98xj's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
From: slidell, LA
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L inline 6 cylinder
Default

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
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
T-Roy-TX
Modified XJ Cherokee Tech
4
Oct 31, 2015 12:14 AM
aroundincircles
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
5
Oct 6, 2015 11:12 AM
mehoff_400
Cherokee Chat
18
Sep 8, 2015 01:06 PM
canada_man
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
0
Sep 4, 2015 11:05 AM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:25 PM.