I have a 2001 jeep cherokee xj and recently I have been having issues with the rear latch is not disengaging. I am looking for information on how to open the trunk, and ultimately how to fix the problem. Is there any kind of trunk release from the inside?

 

Try pushing on the hatch around the latch in various places as you try the handle. Sometimes that works. If not, you will have to get to the latch mechanism from the inside.

See where this gets you.

 

Cherokees don't have trunks. They have cargo areas, and a hatch.

Once you get it open, lube that thing.

 

I was going to ask if this was as opposed to the front trunk. I digress.

 

Mine recently stuck, after some wiggling it opened up and I immediately lubed up the mechanism. Has been fine since. Sounds like yours needs the same treatment once you follow the above video and get it to open.

 

More likely is that the stupid allthread rod that it uses to attach the handle to the latch mechanism has come loose. Most fix it with zipties or getting a locknut to keep the rod tensioned down. Have you tried pushing the hatch closed while trying to unlatch it (from the outside)?

If you have skinny wrists like me, you should be able to unscrew the trunk panel and stick your hand in there to manually unlatch it.

http://www.grobe.us/Jeep/Tech/Body/H...nd-install.htm

 

I second the pushing the gate closed while pulling the latch. Had to do that on my ZJ.

 

 

Thanks for all the help.