Rear hatch handle problem
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 144
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From: Arizona
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Rear hatch handle problem
I can't get in my rear hatch. Not sure if handle is broke or rod came loose, or what. Can't get inside panel off to investigate.
Any tips/tricks to get in?
Dave
Any tips/tricks to get in?
Dave
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 801
Likes: 1
From: N. IL
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
the inside panel can be removed from inside, try again.
http://www.ehow.com/how_7594355_tail...-cherokee.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_7594355_tail...-cherokee.html
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
the inside panel can be removed from inside, try again.
http://www.ehow.com/how_7594355_tail...-cherokee.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_7594355_tail...-cherokee.html
Originally Posted by from article
Unscrew and remove the liftgate trim located at the bottom of hatch that covers the lock assembly.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 144
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From: Arizona
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Changed search terms and finally found this wiki page.
http://www.wikiautorepair.org/wiki/Jeep_Cherokee_(All)_-_Rear_Hatch_Stuck_Closed,_Won't_Open
Specifically this:
Going to try this after work today.
http://www.wikiautorepair.org/wiki/Jeep_Cherokee_(All)_-_Rear_Hatch_Stuck_Closed,_Won't_Open
Specifically this:
Originally Posted by Wiki page
To remove the plastic cover:
(1) Remove the 4 screws at the top. (2) Along the lower edge of the rear window, using your fingers, gently pry the edge of the plastic cover away until the 4 snap fasteners pop free along the lower edge of the rear window. You will have to pull the plastic about 3 inches from the window before the fasteners release. (3) This will allow you to pry the plastic cover open far enough use a flashlight and examine the latch mechanism. (4) Reach in and down and manually pull the latch lift bar up to release the latch and open the hatch.
(1) Remove the 4 screws at the top. (2) Along the lower edge of the rear window, using your fingers, gently pry the edge of the plastic cover away until the 4 snap fasteners pop free along the lower edge of the rear window. You will have to pull the plastic about 3 inches from the window before the fasteners release. (3) This will allow you to pry the plastic cover open far enough use a flashlight and examine the latch mechanism. (4) Reach in and down and manually pull the latch lift bar up to release the latch and open the hatch.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 95
Likes: 2
From: Chicago
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
My Cherokee does this little trick to me about once a year.
I've learned that you don't need to unscrew anything. Just sit in the back and pry the trim back a bit just below the back window. It's only held on at this point by popper type fasteners.
Then, using a flashlight, look down in there and you'll see that the rod has come undone from the inside of the latch handle mechanism. Reinsert it and it should be fine. It'll be a tight fit getting your hand and arm down in there, but it can be done. To keep it from coming undone sooner rather than later, use a pair of plyers to squezze the friction clasp that holds it in place tighter.
Best wishes,
John
I've learned that you don't need to unscrew anything. Just sit in the back and pry the trim back a bit just below the back window. It's only held on at this point by popper type fasteners.
Then, using a flashlight, look down in there and you'll see that the rod has come undone from the inside of the latch handle mechanism. Reinsert it and it should be fine. It'll be a tight fit getting your hand and arm down in there, but it can be done. To keep it from coming undone sooner rather than later, use a pair of plyers to squezze the friction clasp that holds it in place tighter.
Best wishes,
John
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CF Veteran
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,175
Likes: 31
From: Boston
Year: 2000
Engine: 4.7L
Mine used to do that after baking in hot sun. If I leaned hard against the tailgate (to relieve pressure on striker/latch) I was then able to pull-up on hte handle and unlatch the gate. Try it before doing the hard surgery from inside. Later on, I drilled a hole in the trim panel and set-up a rube-goldberg inner release using ty-wraps.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 144
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From: Arizona
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Mine used to do that after baking in hot sun. If I leaned hard against the tailgate (to relieve pressure on striker/latch) I was then able to pull-up on hte handle and unlatch the gate. Try it before doing the hard surgery from inside. Later on, I drilled a hole in the trim panel and set-up a rube-goldberg inner release using ty-wraps.
I'ma gonna make me an inside handle of sorts to never get locked outta there again
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