Tailgate won't open

[craigyd71]

Hey all,

I have a 97 Grand Cherokee Limited For some reason the tailgate wont open, when unlocked the door wiggles a bit but won't open. The rear window does open without any problems. Any Idea how I can open this and find out what the problem is. I found this when I went to change a broken brake light bulb. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Craigyd

[dksob81]

Try pushing in on the door, pulling on the handle and lifting open. If that don't work try to give a few hard tap with a closed fist next to the handle of the liftgate.

well when you get it open spray the locking mechanism (in the liftgate) down with some WD-40 or PB Blaster.

[Airman Kelley]

You need to remove the screws on the top of the panel that covers the lower portion of the door. Pull the plastic panel as far fowward as you can and look in to see what I am describing. There is a cable with a swedge that gets pulled towards the drivers side when you lift the handle. A plastic clip retains the swedge. The plastic clip has "unclippped" itself and the swedge doesn't have a retaining mechanism.

I superglued mine back together. youll scratch your arm up, but with practice, I could snap mine back in place in the dark, until I just superglued the bastard.