RepoMan

This thread was helpful, along with this wikibooks article, in getting my '97 Cherokee's hatch unstuck so I thought I'd add some pics in case anyone else has some of the issues I had in figuring out how to adjust the mechanism. The thing that stymied me for a bit was the plastic clip. I couldn't get the access plate off, so I had to work coming in from above, and it was a tight space and tough to see what was going on. Was I going to break the clip? What to do?

As other posters have said, it's often just an adjustment of that threaded rod with the green clip on it that's needed to get the latch working again and to do so you need to unclip the rod.


DSC_0658 by RepoMan84, on Flickr

With the clip out of the way, you can pop the far end out of the hole and then pop the entire threaded rod out of the metal clip at the top. Replace the rod in clip so there's less play in the mechanism and the handle has the required leverage to pop the latch.


DSC_0656 by RepoMan84, on Flickr

I took these for reference but then thought it might be helpful to someone, so here they are. Best of luck!

CoffeeCommando

I'm going through these shennanigans right now. I thought it was simply because the 2 screws that go into the bottom of where the latch locks came out.

So after I got it open and rebolted I closed it to find out I was wrong.

I'm about to reopen so I can adjust that little bastard.

I guess I should have read the whole story.

MVDCXJ

I just fixed mine. I was lucky in that I was able to get it open by pushing in on the hatch and pulling on the handle at the same time. Took the rear interior panel off and adjusted the latch. Works great now, hopefully it will stay working that way

1973BMW2002

Just had the same problem, easiest way to get the Hatch open is to separate the plastic from the lower portion of the window, slide your hand in and lift the latch mechanism from the inside. If done right you will pop a couple plastic plug clips out but nothing will break. Once the hatch is open remove the interior hatch panel and adjust the lever mechanism.

alnielsen

I had problems with my rear hatch when I bought it. I discovered the grease, in the latch, was old and had solidified. I cleaned it out with brake cleaner and re-greased it with a spray white lithium grease. I no longer have a problem. Even in the cold.

SilverHaze

You just aren't unlocking it. They older hatch locks are very tricky.

kennzz05

you replied to a 4 year old post, hes probably sold it or figured it out

SilverHaze

I doubt he is the only one having the problem.

Eshcatos

Ok, I know this is an ancient thread, but it's still a common problem. I had this problem on my '98 Cherokee sport. was able to pull the trim out from the base of the rear windshield with out destroying the trim, then I opened it from there.