I just thought I'd share my latest problem with my WJ. One of my tailgate latches (there are 2 of them, one for each side, cable operated from the center) refused to latch closed causing the EVIC to chime and tell me my hatch was open and turn on the dome lights every time I hit the slightest bump. I turned off the dome lights with the rotary switch but then I couldn't see my guages at night, plus it still chimed. I tied it closed from inside with a bungee strap and went looking for a new latch.

This is Mopar Part # 55136910AA-M (right side). Mopar wants $163 for it and the dealer has to order it. He said until recently you had to buy both latches, cables, and center mechanism as a unit, but now he could get just the latch.

I went to rockauto.com but they don't carry latches. I found one on jeep4x4.com, which is Morris Motor Company, for $49.95 plus shipping, came to 61.88. This is a Mopar part and I can't believe they cost so little. This just shows you how much the dealer sticks it to us! Morris only has the right side, so it must be a problem with the WJ or they bought a bunch of NOS parts.

I tied down the switch with a cable tie so I can drive it until the latch gets here. This must be the same switch system on the rest of the doors because I can't find door jamb switches. Why do they have to make things so complicated? I tried to take the latch apart to replace the spring. NFW!