Hey guys. I need some help and advice on getting my hatch to open. I have a 97 gc limited v8 with 222k miles on it. She runs like a dream and im working on getting it near perfect for a road trip this coming summer. This past sunday out of the blue my tailgate wont open. I was using it saturday with no issues and come sunday it just wont open. Ive tried wiggling the door. Pushing on it then pulling, using my key to manually unlock and lock it. Even had the ket turned to the unlock to try and open and got nothing. There is resistance on the handle when its unlocked and I pull on it. Is there a trick to open it if the latch is busted? Like a manual release or a way i can access the inside of the door without having to cut the panel out? The interior is almost mint condition and the thought of cutting it up makes me shudder. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

Shouldn't have to cut anything up. Just pull the trim away from below the window and reach down to manually release the latch.

 

you need to get the panel off. unfortunately, that usually means it gets broken a little. AFAIK theres no way around it. when you get the panel off, you need to pull up on the small rod you see in there. that should release the latch. may have to pull back on the door to take the stress off the latch. should pop easily then.

when i bought mine, the tailgate was stuck shut just like yours. when i got it open, i took the latch out and lubed it up real good. it worked for about 6 months, then a few weeks ago it locked up again. i put in a junkyard latch that seemed to work well, but just for a precaution, i used some mechanics wire and looped it around the linkage inside the door, then ran it up the door and thru a small hole i drilled in the panel. then i made a loop on the end. so if it gets stuck again, instead of having to take the panel off, i can just pull the wire and it pops open.

 

Thanks guys! Ill try to loosen it first to see if i can fit my arm down there before not worrying about breaking it. The mechanics wire is a brilliant idea!

 

You can readjust the lever arm, just pop it out of the clip and re position to take the play out of the mechanism that is what I think is the cause of the latches getting stuck shut. Also check the mounting bolts that hold the entire lock in place, mine was missing one, the other was loose. A drop of locktight on the threads after sourcing a replacement bolt and a liberal dose of lithium grease has everything working really nice. Hatch closes with no bounce or play and the unlatch is solid and smooth now.