97' rear latch problem

just got this grand cherokee laredo, the rear latch is stuck.
i can feel the lock engage-disengage, but the handle doesnt seem to activate the latch.

my question is: how do i take the paneling off (from the inside) to inspect the mechanism? does anyone have pictures or diagrams?

b4 u take the latch off try to dothis to open the rear hatch (door). PUSH

b4 u take the latch off try to dothis to open the rear hatch (door). PUSH IN on the door, and pull the handle (as to open the door) and try pulling the hatch open.

my jeep had this same problem, I adjusted the bump stops and it hasn't done this sense.

I also sprayed the latch and everything down with some silicone spray, this may have also helped, but I am sure adjusting the bump stops helped. I just kept adjusting them till I got it to open without having to do the push and pull trick.

aorry, about the double post.

tried that, it seems the latch mechanism isn't grabbing, i know how one usually works if someone can tell me how to get to it

well it's gonna be damn near impossible to take the panel off without the hatch being open, b/c there is a screw in the handle of the panel to close the hatch, and u can't get it with the hatch closed.

is there a way to stick something in there to trigger the release, like a butterknife?

humm I dunno about that, but there might be a manual cable to unlatch it, like there is foir the Gas Tank Door.

am i going to have to resort to cutting the plastic (inside) to get to the mechanism?

well thats sounds like an idea. I wish I had an idea but I haven't a clue. someone else might tho, so u may want to hang out for a few b4 proceeding with the plastic cutting.

yeah, or pay a shop :(

if it wasn't the family car i wouldn't be in much of a hurry