Lostfisher1

I had a problem with my trunk latch sticking on my 97 cherokee. I would have to push in on the sheet metal portion of the trunk and lift the lever at the same time. Not good if ur hands are full. So after my latch decided that I was done opening for me. I had to climb into the back to pop my latch. Had the day off so I messes around with it.

Items Needed
a t-30 torx
a t40 torx
a philips
some lube

First off let me mention If you are unable to open the trunk u can unbolt 2 15MM sockets from under the truck and take out the clip that the latch hold onto.

ok so lets get started. First you remove the caps on the handle on the inside of the trunk there are 2 t-30 torx head screws. after that take out all of the philips screws around the outer lining of the plastic cover. remove the cover. After that there are 3 t-40 torx that hold in the latch itself. unscrew those and D/C(disconnect) the linkage on the inner side of the sheetmetal.




I took it out and gave it a good cleaning in an ultrasonic bath. Make sure you take out the sensor first. If u don't have an ultrasonic cleaner just get some PB blaster spray it down and work the linkage back and forth until the latch opens up on its own when u pull the trigger. I used a drill bit to push the lock in and out. Harbor freight 55 bucks



After a couple of cycles in the ultrasonic it was pretty free and moving around great I blew it off with air and gave it a good soak in power steering fluid. It is thinner and it creeps better. I took it out and blew off the oil. Some may not agree with the oil because it collects dirt but mine was so rusted that I thought Id give it a try. After that it was great works just fine. Now I can open my trunk with ease and 1 hand...lol to put it back together it is just reverse the order.