Man another xj problem... My rear hatch is stuck in the closed position. And i have no way to open it. What is the special technique to get it opened when it wont open? Has to have of been a problem in the past for other xj owners... need help!

 

ha, ive had this issue for quite a while....not really that big a deal for me....on my 98, pulling the hatch handle by itself doesnt open it....i've gotta put pressure on somewhere below the window & above handle....i do one hand on the plastic "trim" (above the license plate, where the light is enclosed) & the other pulls the handle

never bothered to figured out exactly what the problem is, but i'm assuming its something to do with the striker plate or the locking latch

 

I had to remove the panel in my 91 to fix it. (pain to do from the inside). Then, i had to cut through the fiberglass to get to the lock. There will be a wire a little thicker than a coat hanger. It slides one way or the other. But check to make sure it is really stuck first before you go through all that. have someone push in the button while someone else pushes from the inside.

 

On mine I have to put pressure dirently below the lock as well as pull the hatch open at the same time in order for my latch to disengage.

 

What year XJ? Both use the same technique, but it's more difficult on 84-96 XJ's .

 

X2

 

Well you in luck I got the same problem in my 01. Solution 1, while using the key to lock then unlock latch and at the same time push and pull handle and above or below handle. It takes a lil ski until you get use to it. Now to fix it under the latch, in the cargo area, you need a long wrench forgot the size, loosen the bolts And move the latch forward a lil. This should fix your problem

 

on mine i have to give it a little love tap just to the right of the handle before i open it