liftgate won't unlock

[aetony1]

My 1998 jeep grand cherokee liftgate won't unlock with the remote or anything, how do I open it.

[95Orvis]

Hate to say it but, bang on it. Mine did the same thing over the winter and it finally popped after a few slams of the hand. When I finally got it to open, I took it all apart and found the mechanism inside all rusted.

Good luck.

[95zj1]

When you get it open spray some degreaser in the mechanism, you may have a bounch of gunk inside. Then spray some WD40 inside to lube it up.

[95Orvis]

Originally Posted by 95zj1

When you get it open spray some degreaser in the mechanism, you may have a bounch of gunk inside. Then spray some WD40 inside to lube it up.

You're right on 95zj, I sprayed about 1/2 can on it then let it sit in the pool of Liquid Wrench overnight before it worked freely without snags.

[bctampa]

my did the same! the best way to get it open without any damage is to get in the back of your jeep, unscrew the screws holding the plastic to the lift gate, open the window portion, and stick one arm down in between and the other on the lever outside. you'll scratch up your arm pretty good if you don't have anything to protect it (long spandex sleeve). Just find the locking mechanism with one arm by using the other lifting the lever handle outside. once you get it open you'll find a little metal rod with notches on it that got out of place. so you can buy a new one or just put it back in and use metal wiring to hold it there b/c it needs to move/adjust itself around over time but the wiring will help it stay in its location.

[thewavebb]

My jeep does the same thing, I just give it a small wack next the handle while lifting the latch. That opens it right up. I have lubed up my wifes jeep latch mechinism and it works great but i have been too swamped lately to fix mine.

[dksob81]

Do this mine did it all the time till I adjusted the bump stops on the side, just push in on the liftgate, pull the handle, open the liftgate.

Let me know if this works

[ByronP]

Mine sticks as well. Like the other said I just give it a light thump next to the handle when trying to open it. I haven't had a chance to tear it apart just yet. Does the key turn when you try it manually? You can try to squirt in some liquid wrench or something and then try to work the key back and forth. Jus tbe more gentle than my wife when she tried it. She mangled up the key pretty bad. At least it didn't break off in the lock.
ByronP