1998 rear hatch lock Jeep Cherokee Sport

I cannot unlock the rear hatch. When I click the remote lock/unlock,I can hear the mechanism work,but no result. Since cannot get it open,is there a way to remove the panel to repair it? Thankyou

I cannot unlock the rear hatch. When I click the remote lock/unlock,I can hear the mechanism work,but no result. Since cannot get it open,is there a way to remove the panel to repair it? Thankyou
i took off my brothers panel from the inside and the little plastic clip that holds the rod in place come off easy fix :smokin:

I cannot unlock the rear hatch. When I click the remote lock/unlock,I can hear the mechanism work,but no result. Since cannot get it open,is there a way to remove the panel to repair it? Thankyou

Same problem; same symptoms. From the inside of the vehicle, there is a square access cover on the left side of the panel. Remove the panel; it has a little catch at the bottom of the square. Underneath, the insulation is cut in a + design. With one finger, "feel" for a 1/2" wide, horizontal bar under the plastic film (that is under the insulation). Push the bar downward to unlock the door.

The panel is held on by five screws and a bunch of those plastic grippers. Gently pull the panel off and remove the plastic over the left side of the lift gate. I found that the actuator would lock but when unlocking, the teeth are stripped on the shaft. Going to look for a part; just hope I don't have to buy the whole thing.

Good luck!

last night i experienced the same problem.. i have a 2000 cherokee.. and the lock was working fine as you can hear it.. but the door wouldnt open..i kept pulling the handle in and out until it finally opened up.. but i removed the entire latch, and to do so you need the door open and remove the cover of the door.. it seemed that the latch was very dry and rusted.. so i took it apart lubed it.. and replaced it.. and now it works fine..