Hi. I'm new here. Got a 99 Grand Cherokee Laredo, and the tailgate won't open. The actuator makes a screeching sound. It had been working "sometimes", but has stopped. The glass won't open either. Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

Sounds like your lock actuator went south on you. Motor probably siezed in the lock position. The rear hatch lock actuator commonly goes out on these models. Mine stuck in open and wont lock.


Oh, and Welcome

 

Welcome to CF.
You can remove the small access panel on the hatch's interior panel, and manually open the hatch. Then remove the panel being careful to not break the plastic retainers. There's also 4 screws I believe. See if you can determine which part of the lock mechanism needs lubrication or replacing, and leave the panel off until you can fix it. That way it can at least be opened from the inside easily.

 

Have a similar issue in a 97 thanks for the info!

 

Thank you.

 

Inside the access panel on the 99-04 GC theres a safe t lock just push it down that should solve your issue to get the gate open so you can further TC

 

I had a similar issue, does your handle have tension? If its loose the mechanism that connects the handle to the lock could be busted, remove the panel as Ol"blue suggested and check if handle is connected. If it is busted you should be able to rig it with some wire, that's what I did and I've had no problems since, a lot cheaper than a new part too! ( sometimes it sticks but if I put my shoulder into the tailgate and pull handle at same time it pops open lol)

 

Gonna try it today if I have time

 

Ok. Finally got around to taking off the inside panel. I got the door to open by pushing the lever on the actuator. It gets stuck, and makes a click when I unlock it manually. After I unlock it, the lever mover freely, then I can open the door and the window. When I press the power lock button, it will lock, but not unlock until I push the lever. I sprayed some lube in there and it makes no difference. I am kinda leaning toward the actuator being the problem. Sound right?