XJ Tailgate question

[jpnut]

Ok this is on a 98 XJ. Closed the tailgate the other day. Don't think that there was anything there in the way when I closed it (I was watching to make sure that I didn't close a dogs tail in it). Well now it will not open. Cycle the lock, pull up on the handle, nothing. Use the key in the lock, nothing. I don't think that you pull the inside cover off of it while it is closed. Any thoughts other than never using the rear hatch again?

[bensredyj]

Hmmm child safety locks? Power locks? well that happened to my Yj tailgate when I bought my winch. The only way that winch was coming out was throught the back so I climbed in the back and unscrewed the torx bits to the lock backing plate and released it from the inside. Are you sure you can't access teh lock from inside. A locksmith? spray wd-40 in the lock, try pushing the door to release tention? But the glass then you only have 1/2 tailgate BEN

[toynrnd]

Is there any cloth or plastic that could be stuck on the lock pin thingy? I'd try having Diane hold the lock butoon down (like you are trying to open it) and you should try pushing from the inside.

P.S. I'll give you $500 for it sight unseen.

[jpnut]

There might be something in there. I didn't want to crawl back in there earlier today. I guess I should just quit being lazy. I've taken apart my co-workers YJ tailgate lock. On his the little plastic piece that holds the linkage in had broken so he couldn't lock it. I took it apart as he asked me if I knew what I was doing. Told him, it wasn't mine so I wasn't worried.

My problem seems to be that it won't release from the holding pin thingy. It feels like when you pull on the handle it isn't actually doing anything. The thing I fear about yanking on it too hard, is that it is fiberglass at least parts of it.

[xj98]

The Haynes manual, as usuall, is not very helpfull. It does state that the wiring for the power door lock can be located behind the panel on the left side of the cargo compartment. If your door is not unlocking the handel will not engage. Obviously it would be the lock if it does not work with key or keyless.
Taking the door apart with the it closed looks like it is next to impossible. Looking at mine though, it looks like you can unbolt the lock pin from the bottom, behind the rear bumper and open the door to work on it.

Luke who needs to do homework but can't leave these forums alone.

[jpnut]

Thanks Luke,

If I remember correctly, to get behind the panel, the gate has to be open due to the location of a couple of screws. I hadn't thought about the bolts that hold the latching pin in place. It might be a little tight to get to the bolts with the reciever hitch in place. Right now the ground is like a sponge so I don't really feel like lying on it but I do have to crawl under the TJ tonight so might as well kill 2 birds with one stone.

Thanks,
Jonathan

[EricT]

JPNUT said:

My problem seems to be that it won't release from the holding pin thingy. It feels like when you pull on the handle it isn't actually doing anything. The thing I fear about yanking on it too hard, is that it is fiberglass at least parts of it.

I thought 97+ XJ had steel tailgates?

[jpnut]

EricT said:

I thought 97+ XJ had steel tailgates?

Not sure. I just remember when we went to test drive it, they went to put a plate with magnets on the hatch and it fell on the ground once the guy let go of it.

[bensredyj]

hAHAHAHAH thats strikes confidence in the sales person of knowing what he is talking about, DID you reply, its NOT sheetmetal? hahhahah

[frog975]

If it's not sheet metal, then it's not the original. Someone changed it one you. All 97+ cherokee's have steel rear hatches.