[jesse18]

So I keep wiggling the key trying to get it to unlock and do everything in my power that I know of but I cannot seem to get this thing to open it feels like it wants to whenever you unlock the key part.
is it possible to access the inside of it to get this thing unlocked from the inside of the Jeep?

 

[Timo_90xj]

Not easily. Try to push in or push sideways on the rear hatch, then flip the release handle and see if it pops open.

If it does, do NOT close it again before adjusting the latch rod/ striker-thingy under the plastic panel. It is a common item to fail, where the adjuster slips on the rod, causing your rear hatch to not open when you pull the lever from the outside.

 

[superj]

my 98 wouldn't open for about a week and it was annoying the crap out of me. i almost kickied the thing three or four times trying to open it on different days. i went out one day to take the interior off to open it but i read about hitting the hatch, to the left of the handle, while pulling hte handle. apparently, a lot of people have the same issue and hitting the hatch while pulling the handle all the way out makes it unlatch. it worked for me and i now use it as a security system to keep people from opening the back.

pull handle and hold outwards
hit hatch to left of handle with palm or hammer fist (not hard enough to dent hatch though)

 

[94cherry]

my 98 wouldn't open for about a week and it was annoying the crap out of me. i almost kickied the thing three or four times trying to open it on different days. i went out one day to take the interior off to open it but i read about hitting the hatch, to the left of the handle, while pulling hte handle. apparently, a lot of people have the same issue and hitting the hatch while pulling the handle all the way out makes it unlatch. it worked for me and i now use it as a security system to keep people from opening the back.

pull handle and hold outwards
hit hatch to left of handle with palm or hammer fist (not hard enough to dent hatch though)

That is what worked for me also.

 

[jesse18]

So it comes down to this?

 

[Pierre_r]

The latchmechanism inside mine is almost rusted shut....
If i want to open it i have to remove the 2 top screws for the panel then reach down and pull it up hard to open it.
To close it i have to push it down again or it will just bounce when i slam it shut .

I need to replace the whole tailgate due to rust (wonderfull roadsalt... if its quiet outside and you listen real good you can almost hear it rust) so i dont really care that much about it.

 

[joeyfish]

My hatch caused me troubles for months. It would only open if I held the latch up, and then smacked next to it with a closed fist. It was pretty cool because everyone thought it was locked, and only I could get in

 

[justincdst]

Same here except hitting it did not do squat. I had to remove tge two mounting bolts under the bumper for more play, pull the plastic from the inside and pick the latch with a thin screw driver. It sucked. Once opened i greased the crap out of everthing and it hasnt happened since. Good luck

 

[jesse18]

so yeah I tried the fonzie move and it did not work I will probably end up taking it apart later and greasing it up as said before

 

[LowBudgetZJ]

Just fixed mine less than a month ago. I opened the glass.

Took out all the screws you can see and even the two you cannot which are located in the carpet on the hatch door.

I then could reach down, slightly left of center between the plastic and the body to pull the rod which opened the hatch.

After opened you can pull the plastic trim piece from the hatch door and adjust the rod and clip.

I had to adjust mine all the way to the last threads on the rod.

Opens every time now.

 

[Timo_90xj]

so yeah I tried the fonzie move and it did not work I will probably end up taking it apart later and greasing it up as said before

Didn't read my post, did you?

Greasing won't help, you gotta check & readjust the adjustable rod which opens the latch. It is a VERY common issue with ZJs where the adjuster rod gets out of adjustment, causing the rear hatch not to open when you pull the lever.

 

[justincdst]

Didn't read my post, did you?

Greasing won't help, you gotta check & readjust the adjustable rod which opens the latch. It is a VERY common issue with ZJs where the adjuster rod gets out of adjustment, causing the rear hatch not to open when you pull the lever.

In my case, yes the rod was out of wack, however, everything was seized up inside the latch also. Hence the heavy greasing and why the rod was probably out of adjustment.

 

[jesse18]

Got the hatch open. Adjusted what i needed to.
close thread/