1994 Tailgate wont open.

[HarryR]

The key will turn in the lock but the tailgate will not open. Is there a way to access the mechanism from the inside? Any other suggestions?

[dksob81]

Originally Posted by HarryR

The key will turn in the lock but the tailgate will not open. Is there a way to access the mechanism from the inside? Any other suggestions?

Try to push in on the liftgate, pull out on the handle and lift the tailgate.
If that don't work give it a coupl ehard pounds next to the handle then lift it.

Once you get it open you will want to saturate the latch/lock mechanism with WD-40, pB Blast, etc....

There is a thread on here somewhere, where someone unbolted the striker from underneath the jeep and opened the liftgate so they could remove the panel to get the latch unstuck.

[breeaad]

Had the same problem with my 98 JGC. The latch looses adjustment over time due to the plastic mechanism wears. If you can't open it, crawl in the back and get as many screws as you can out of the cover. You can then slide your arm inside the hatch and open it. Then take the entire cover off and peel back the moisture barrier. You can now adjust the latch. You will have to play with the adjustment until it works properly.

[breeaad]

Had the same problem with my 98 JGC. The latch looses adjustment over time due to the plastic mechanism wears. If you can't open it, crawl in the back and get as many screws as you can out of the cover. You can then slide your arm inside the hatch and open it. Then take the entire cover off and peel back the moisture barrier. You can now adjust the latch. You will have to play with the adjustment until it works properly.

[Maui_Dave]

Been there. Done that!

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=548557

[HarryR]

Thanks all for your help. I did manage to get the tailgate opened but now want to fix a problem with the lock mechanism. When you put the key into the lock it pushes into the tailgate. When I look from the inside of the tailgate panel I don't see anything that holds the lock in place. Nothing loose inside the panel and my son bought this used so this problem has been there a while. Is there supposed to be a spring clip that slides into a slot I see that would hold the lock assembly in place? I can't find any kind of schematic on the tailgate or lock assembly to see the list of parts.
By the way the original problem was corrosion as you guys suggested.

Thanks.

[Maui_Dave]

Harry,

My 96 had a stud on the latch assembly (lock cylinder's part of the assy)
There's a nut on the inside of the liftgate. You're 94 might be different though.

[HarryR]

Dave - I sent you an email to try and more fully explain the problem. Thanks for your help. Harry