Looking for advice on opening a stuck tailgate

[kemosabee]

So my tailgate decided last week to stay shut, pull the handle and nothing happens,
make sure its not locked, try again and still nothing happens. So what would be the
easiest way to get this thing opened and what do I need to do to the latch to get it
working again? This is on a 00 XJ.

Thanks.

James

[87manche]

I'd see if you can't pull the plastic off on the inside. That will get you at the latch mechanism.

[jfiscus]

yup. yup. yup. pop out the plastic & stick yer arm in there & unlatch the latch. Then once its open fix the mechanism.

[rstarch345]

My '00 has been sticking as well. What I've been doing is pushing the door inward sharpley at the handle. You may have to do it several times. Also, let the handle "snap" back when you pull it. So, far this method has opened it every time. Tomorrow it's getting fixed before it's permanetly stuck.

[kemosabee]

Thanks guys, I'll give it a try this weekend.

[seanR]

I'd see if you can't pull the plastic off on the inside. That will get you at the latch mechanism.
That is what I had to do with mine,
I don't have to any more, now it won't always stay closed.
It is time to make it go bye, bye.
hint, hint...

[Matthew Currie]

I/'ve found my 99 also sticks often and needs a push inward before it will release, especially if something is pushing against it from the inside. You get used to it, and at least it doesn't rattle like the 95.

[Markos]

The most common way to get it open is to push firmly above the license plate trip, while pulling on the handle. Once you get your hatch open, you need to tighten the ribbed (or threaded) linkage. You want to increse the excess threads sticking up on top...

Originally posted by Markos:
Source: http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6616146

I had to tear into my hatch again to fix the problem for good. I adjusted the linkage that goes between the door handle and the latch. I purchased new parts, per MoparMan's suggestion. After looking things over, I decided that I didn't need the new parts. I simply moved the linkage up a bit. Time will tell if the lever decides to slip back down.

8 screws and 2 T-30 torx screws hold the plastic panel in place. There are 9 white plastic press-in clips that keep the panel snug against the door.
http://www.uploadpixels.com/upload/1151267729_uploadpixels.com_Jeep_Latch_06.24.06_00 1.jpg
http://www.uploadpixels.com/upload/1151267760_uploadpixels.com_Jeep_Latch_06.24.06_00 4.jpg

The new threaded linkage (55075860AB) versus the old 'ribbed' linkage. The new linkage works in conjunction with the updated handle.
http://www.uploadpixels.com/upload/1151267782_uploadpixels.com_Jeep_Latch_06.24.06_02 2.jpg

A few pics of the linkages:
http://www.uploadpixels.com/upload/1151267800_uploadpixels.com_Jeep_Latch_06.24.06_00 7.jpg
http://www.uploadpixels.com/upload/1151267813_uploadpixels.com_Jeep_Latch_06.24.06_01 4.jpg

Finally, another good image of the adjustment needed, posted in this thread:
http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73217

[ChevelleSSLS6]

Originally posted by Markos:
Source: http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6616146


dead link.:soapbox:

please fix it. My XJ has the stuck tailgate as well, and help would be appreciated.:worship::cheers:

[R_jeep]

get a flashlight, open the interior panel as best as possible if you dont want remove the two torx bolts on th grab handle, and grab the linkage and pull it upward.

when the gate opens remove the panel and take a peek inside. should need some wd-40 and an adjustment of the threaded rod where the linkage attaches to the lock mech.

[Markos]

Originally posted by Markos:
Source: http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?t=465200

I had to tear into my hatch again to fix the problem for good. I adjusted the linkage that goes between the door handle and the latch. I purchased new parts, per MoparMan's suggestion. After looking things over, I decided that I didn't need the new parts. I simply moved the linkage up a bit. Time will tell if the lever decides to slip back down.

8 screws and 2 T-30 torx screws hold the plastic panel in place. There are 9 white plastic press-in clips that keep the panel snug against the door.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/2401812787_155386b438.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/2401812787_af2b267de7_o.jpg)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/2401812869_e7db46420b.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/2401812869_c89ca13aae_o.jpg)

The new threaded linkage (55075860AB) versus the old 'ribbed' linkage. The new linkage works in conjunction with the updated handle.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2287/2401812669_671aa37176.jpg (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2287/2401812669_29930530de_o.jpg)
A few pics of the linkages:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2218/2401812913_91e92daaa6.jpg (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2218/2401812913_4513d29397_o.jpg)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2152/2402643700_d4851d68be.jpg (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2152/2402643700_de891e1fb5_o.jpg)
Finally, another good image of the adjustment needed, posted in this thread:
http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73217

[gajeepxj]

Take a sawzall, cut the hinges in half, Kick repeatedly on tail gate from inside bending all sheet metal down close enough to cut the stud with the same sawzall. It should jump to the floor with a loud thump! Oh yea, put some card board down to keep from breaking glass incase your new hatch doent have one!

[fosforito_one]

Take a sawzall, cut the hinges in half, Kick repeatedly on tail gate from inside bending all sheet metal down close enough to cut the stud with the same sawzall. It should jump to the floor with a loud thump! Oh yea, put some card board down to keep from breaking glass incase your new hatch doent have one!


I am assuming this is the all else failed method :cheers:

[bfred]

Take a sawzall, cut the hinges in half, Kick repeatedly on tail gate from inside bending all sheet metal down close enough to cut the stud with the same sawzall. It should jump to the floor with a loud thump! Oh yea, put some card board down to keep from breaking glass incase your new hatch doent have one!as an alternative to this method (rip & tear...LOL), you ran also remove the bolts from underneath the striker plate. Look up between the bumper and the rear body panel, youll see them. A little hard to get at, but possible. Some guys remove the rear bumper to do this (6 bolts)...Good Luck!!!