enforcer

like the title says... its stuck. i can unlock it, but it doesnt want to open. the handle seems like it just isnt clicking the lock open to the point where it should to pop the lock. the rear glass doesnt open either.


anybody have experience with this? how can i fix it???

Kyle

Try lifting up on the handle while pushing down on the hatch then pulling up.

nick_n_ii

The Grands have a prob with the prop rod "loosing up" inside. You have to remove the plastic on the inside to open it than "adjust" the rod.. Mine's done that twice in 1 1/2 of owning it...

finneys98xj

I have the same prob on my xj

tsconver

the 03 had an emergency release fromthe inside, it is buriedin teh insulation under a little 2 x 2 cover in the rear panel. Not sure if the 99 had this as well, but it should bypass teh lock if you have one. Once open you can take teh rear panel off and fix the lock rod. Many add a nut to it to prevent the rod from turning on its own and becoming too loose.

whowey

My 94 does the same thing...

One trick that got my thru for quite awhile...

Press in on the lock with your thumb just as you pull up on the handle.

Another buddy told me this trick.. Worked on his 98.. But he didnt have the glass that opened either.

Getting the inside plastic off... how do you do it with the hatch stuck shut?? The screws are in the bottom of the hatch.

enforcer

ok guys thanks... im going to check it out. ive tried pushing down on the latch while trying to open it.... but it just doesnt seem to want to open.


does anybody know if i can get to from the panel that holds the license plate? can i just take that panel off and access the rod from there??

nick_n_ii

No you cann't, the only way is to remove the inner panel. And it can be removed with a little effort....

tsconver

it may break and you might need to go to the junk yard to get a new panel.

junkyarddawg00

The latches on those are also prone to seizing up. My neighbor has a 97 that the hatch wouldn't open. After popping the top of the inside panel off, I had to reach in and basically "pop" the rod to get the latch open. I then took the entire latch mechanism out of the hatch, and oiled it up to get it freed up.

the gimp

i just had the same problem with mine but nothing a dremmal a pry bar and a beer couldnt handle i have a spare panel but if this is a normal problem i might not put it on