I want to remove the inside panel from the lift gate of my 94 Grand Cherokee Laredo to get to the latch. The lift gate won't open and it doesn't feel like a lock issue. Does anyone know a way to get the plastic panel off from inside without opening it? I don't want to cut any important wires by sawing down the middle and prying it off... Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

 

Mine did this. Climb over the back seat. Cant remember if there are any screws where the bump for the wiper is, but if there are remnove them. Gently pull out on the plastic until you can get your girls arm or a metal coat hanger down there and use it to pull the release rod. Poof opens right up.

In my case i got my whole arm in there and didn't ruin anything. When you're done pull the panel off and adjust the rod/handle, they loose up over the years and cause this problem.

 

Thanks, Nukinfuts! Next project, how to get my fingers and tools into the metal box that surrounds the handle/rod connection in the lift gate so I can tighten it. Everything else is tight so I guess the problem is there...