Waynerd

So I did some searching recently and I didn't come across this solution so I thought I would post it.

I've had issues lately with the liftgate. The handle keeps getting out of adjustment due to the clip that the rod to the latch clips onto. The rod keeps slipping and then the handle doesn't pull it up enough to unlatch.

I have a spare handle on my workbench so I decided to see if I could stick something through the handle to help push that rod up a bit farther so the gate would unlatch. Low and behold!

Took less than 60 seconds to get my gate open. Didn't have to cut any holes or break the interior panel or remove the bumper. If anyone is familiar with the handle and how the mechanism works then you could probably make out the pics better.

Waynerd

Take a shortish skinny tool. The driver in the center with the orange handle seemed like it worked best. Socket there for reference.

It needs to be short enough to not hit your bumper but the shaft long enough to reach the arm on the handle.

Pull the handle up as far as it will go. Then take the tool and put it through the left side of the handle. Looking up from under the handle you will see a hole through which a piece of the handle connects to inside of the whole assembly.

The open spot is just behind that piece. When inserting have the handle pointed away from the Jeep so the tip will be pointing in. You should feel it hit the arm and just push it up.

Waynerd

Pics from the inner side of handle. The tip of the driver can be seen. Might need to zoom.

Waynerd

From the back

Waynerd

And this is how I removed the handle. The nut was rusted to the stud and the whole stud was turning. Opened it so I could get vise grips on the inner end. The stud snapped when I tried to remove the nut.