Hello, recently I got some trail damage that pushed in my rear bumper. So i replaced the bumper with a new one and everything was fine, however I now have to ease the rear hatch down and barely let it touch the lock mechanism. If it shuts on its own or someone shuts it the lock gets stuck and it is a total pain to open, and it requires a person to pull up on the handle and turns the key, while another person pries on the hatch with a crowbar.
I am wondering if anyone knows what I can do to make it work normally again.????? Thanks!

 

i gotta do the same thing on my zj except mine hasnt opend in a while. ive tried everything and it seems like the handle slips. i try everyday to get it open so i can see whats goign on in there

 

OK, and thanks!
So I finally "fixed" the problem but i ended up taking off the lock all together...so now i cant lock or even latch it until i get new lock mechanism

 

Is the lock mechanism broke? Honestly to me it sounds like you just knocked it slightly out of alignment. You should be able to adjust it.

 

Ya the mechanism is stuck locked, I ended up taking the two nuts off underneath the latch, then forcing that latch piece through the cargo floor with a pry bar and ramming my shoulder into the hatch from inside. Now my new lock is a tie down strap rigged from inside!

 

Lock that. Secured with extra space. Done.