hughjhas

need some help here i just got a 99 jeep grand cherokee limited the information center thats by the sunroof switch says that the rear lift gate is open when it clearly isn't.

what can i do to make this message go away?

dave1123

Okay, here you go. On the WJ, there are 2 latches on the hatch, each with a microswitch in it that tells the EVIC whither it's latched or not. These latches tend to stick or break the spring that keep them latched. I just went thru this on MY WJ. A new latch from Mopar is about $150. I got one from Pick&Pull for $5. While I was trying to find a latch, I tied the switch down with a cable tie. To remove the switch, you need to pull the screw that mounts it, turn the switch and pull it out of the latch. On my '00 WJ, it was mounted with a phillips screw, on the '02 I took my new one from, it was a torx screw. #15 I believe, but don't quote me.

To remove the latch, you remove the inner panel, take out the 3 bolts that mount it from the outside, pull it out and disconnect the latch cable and switch. The hardest part is replacing the panel. Careful with the rear defrost wires, you can break them easily. I took the one from the donor jeep from the outside, but I really didn't care what damage I did. I'm willing to bet it's the passenger's side latch. That seems to be the most common one to fail. You can tell by closing the latch by hand with the hatch open and see if it locks closed or not. If it doesn't, that's the one.

OR you can just tie down the switch. Your choice. The hatch will tend to rattle if it's not latched on both sides.

Welcome to CF!

hughjhas

Will fixing this also fix the problem with the back hatch not locking? Also by any chance do you have pictures or a link to a different post so it's a bit easier for me to understand?

dave1123

Yes I do. Go to wjjeeps.com and click on Liftgate trim panel removal and components. Pictures and everything.

hughjhas

is this the latch that your taking about or is it the latch that the one in the picture connects to once the hatch is closed?

hughjhas

or this one (picture 2)

dave1123

It's your first picture. Inside that groove, that latch lever turns and a small catch inside keeps it locked. the cable releases that catch and allows the lever to turn to it's open position. Use a phillips screwdriver to close that lever. If it stays latched until you pull the handle, it's okay. If you can open it by pulling down on the screwdriver, it's busted. I think it's only a spring, but I couldn't get the latch apart to find out. The two halves are welded together.

The second picture is the striker plate. The latch lever closes around the loop.

hughjhas

Okay I stuck the screw driver in it like you said and pulled down. Both sides seem fine the screw driver wouldn't slide out unless I pulled the hatch handle to open it.... What now???

hughjhas

Also I forgot to mention when I lock the doors the back hatch and the back window won't lock with the rest of the doors

dave1123

It may be one of the micro switches is bad. They are mounted on the side of the latch inside. The hatch may not be locking because the body control module thinks it's still open.