Ronin

My tailgate was always a little tricky to open (key wiggle and stuff) but now it is totally unable to open. I have tried both original keys, and i feel everything turning inside like normal, but i cannot get the handle to click and open. I searched a little and wondered if anyone has had this problem and can reccomend a fix, or do i disassemble the entire handle and lock like a fresh rebuild? Thanks, and this board rocks.

jvanhare

If you take off the inner door panel on your liftback, you will see the problem. The design rocks. (might be sarcasm). The metal box/white plastic dealie slides back and forth to engage/disengage the locking mechanism. You will probably find dirt and corrosion in there keeping it from functioning properly. Try cleaning and relubing everything. (I use Honda offroad chain lube, comes in a spray can, (Peacock Ltd. In Baldwin, MI sells it if you can't find it and want to try it) doesn't fall off and doesn't attract dirt)

Scorpion8

Pull the inside hatch cover off and look down inside at the lock mechanism while some one tries the latch and key for you. You should be able to see what isn't working right.

Ronin

Thanks for the quick responses, will try first think in the morning and let you know how it went.

JSwamper

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/rea...97-01-a-31679/

try this

mudderx

I just lift the handel and smack the trunk above the latch. Works every time and I dont have to worry about anyone else opening my hatch. And yes I have adjusted the lever/rod thing inside the hatch 3 times now and after a couple of months/weeks its back to smacking the stupid thing to get it to open.

rstone

Mine had been stuck shut for a week. Couldn't figure it out till I went inside and while pulling the inside handle (located on the left side), my son was outside pulling the latch and it opened. Once opened I sprayed PB Blaster up into the latch and it's been working great!

Agent_Oragnge

definately don't want to be accused of stealing a thread, but i always wanted to put a tailgate on the back of my XJ and have the top fold up as it does now. anybody ever seen this or done it.

Ronin

The "liftgate" problem was fixed by adjusting the threaded rod that connects the locking part to the handle part. A little spray and cleaning and its working like new. Thanks JSwamper for that link.