Odforester

I have a 2000 Cherokee Limited. It has developed a problem with the back hatch latch/lock mechanism. For the better part of a year it has been difficult to release the latch; I must push down on the hatch door at the same time pulling on the latch handle. This has worked until yesterday; now I cannot get it open at all. I suspect something is worn in the mechanism, and I may have to replace some part of the lock mechanism. The problem is I can't get it open to work on it. Does anyone have a method to get the lock released; or is there a way to get at the lock mechanism with the hatch in the closed/locked position?

Thanks in advance for any help.


Odforester