Anyone have a prob or fix for their liftgate not opening? Just got a 98 xj se, and the rear latch seems like it wants to disengage and let the door open but it doesn't. The latch locks and unlocks with the key firmly, but thats about it. I've got it open a couple of times if I push in on the door. This really sux, yesterday I swapped interior with another XJ but I couldn't do the headliner or rear panel cause I couldn't open my lift gate ---- and yes it's unlocked. Any help would be great. I'll give an update with pics of the interior later.

 

My wifes lift gate did this exact same thing. She has a cherokee also. It could be numerous things but the #1 prob (dealership told me) there is a small metal piece that is barely attachted to the handle... that little metal piece will eventually slip and not open. If you pull the metal arm back down and take pliers and pinch the mteal back to the arm it will work. You'll see the bar move when you pull the handle and you'll see where the bar is slipping. Now that is supposed to be the #1 prob with lift gates. After I fixed my wifes lift gate it has worked great ever since. Post some pics of it

 

my 2000 did the same thing, i would have to ****** it and then it would finally open. i got outdone one day and tore it apart! after doing it, i found out its a pretty simple fix. just take the two bolts out and the latch itself has a metal tab that the handle latch connects to. whats happening is that the connection has slipped and the latch itself is not opening all the way. work the latch handle and you can tell how it needs to be adjusted. after making the adjustment close the gate and make sure it works before you put the bolts back in. i wish i could give you more details but its been awhile since i fixed mine. it hasn't given me any trouble since though.

 

You can crawl through the back cargo area, remove the trim panel, and operate the mechanism from the inside to open it.

Then fix it.