96 Grand Cherokee back hatch

My back hatch will not open. How do I fix this?

not to be chippy, but are you sure it is unlocked?

Try the key to make sure, don't just rely on the key fob as the 'unlock' relay could be broken and that could be the problem. If it opens, you know most likely what is bad.

Otherwise, I'd spray some lubricant into the handle assembly and hope for the best...

When I use the key I can tell it is moving the rod inside the liftgate, because the outside handle will have resistance when unlocked and no resistance when locked. How hard is it to take the cover off the inside of the hatch?

mine began doing the same thing, I've lubed mine and it hasn't made any difference. I believe its the rubber stops that the hatch rests on,check those and see if they are cracked and mashed. Next time you try opening it, push or pull on the door at the same time you pull the handle. Works for me, the occasional slap near the hand does the trick. I just keep forgetting to buy new rubber stops. Just my .02$

I have the same problem as 318bennie on my 1997 Grand Cherokee.
Tried the lock with the same results, tried pushing/pulling while pulling on the handle, No Luck.
Any more suggestions?

This is a good place to get OEM parts cheaper than a dealership. Hopefully you all will find some resolution to this problem. I changed out my anti-rattle bumper stops and the hatch is more quiet. I didn't have the problem you people were having, but you could maybe get more of an idea by looking at the diagrams here.

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=getLocator&siteid=213794&chapter=DR3WA95&appSectionid=4486&groupid=51911&subgroupid=2391&componentid=5682&make=17&model=Grand%20cherokee&year=1997&graphicID=WA95610&callout=12&catalogid=2

I had the same problem on my 94, all I do whenever this used to happen (i finally adjusted the bump stops and it took care of the problem), I pushed in on the Hatch and then Pull the handle (to open the hatch) and then open the hatch.

One time, I had a screw that was lodged in the lock, I took a shop vac and sucked it out of there.

Pull on the handle and tap beside it or below it with your fist.

Then buy a new rear latch.

yeah, smack that thing right next to the handle right before you pull it.