Hey guys, the trunk hatch doesnt open on my sisters 97 cherokee. I would think this would be a fairly easy fix if I was able to get the plastic panel off of the inside of the hatch but that doesnt seem possible with it stuck closed. Is there away to get it open without having access to the inside of the hatch? Any help is appreciated. Thanks, TED.

 

Here's the master thread: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/rea...97-01-a-31679/

If you own an XJ you'll do this at least once in its lifetime, twice if you skip the lube step.

 

One time at the JY, a helper there climbed in, (second "story!"), and had that thing open in less than a minute. He might have damaged the inside panel some pulling it out far enough to reach in and push the latch. Without a whole lot of experionce having things like that come out "nice", I would bet that panel could have been screwed back pretty flat against the hatch.

I'd recommend a pint of Brandy and some punk music, with a hot tub and a girlfriend waiting afterwards. (that won't be fun...getting in there). Btw, a carpenters "flat bar", like a Stanly wonder-bar might be handy....

Why won't it open?