Help...XJ rear hatch

[Tanner]

Guys, always see lots of good advise/knowledge on here, this one is hurting my head. 2 dr. 1999 XJ. Rear door latch (hatch) has come apart inside or is otherwise not working. Key tumbles lock but seems like no pull/resistance when I lift the handle. Of course, there is no handle on the inside   Has anyone ran into this and how do I get the door unlatched. Doesn't look like the interior plastic will come off with the door closed and can barely see the inside of the latch assy. on the bottom. Thanks.

[WhiteOut]

Undo all the screws in the rear plastic that you can get to, pull it back as far as you can and reach in to pull the little rod up.

Take off the interior plastic and re-attach the clips that have come off the rod. Use a couple of zip ties for good measure.

Had to do this on my ZJ and it took about an hour.

[dubbleJs]

I had the same issue on my XJ when i got it...there was already a section cut out of my hatch panel to access the mechanism. You might have to do the same if you cant get at it with whiteouts method. The threaded rod slips off the bracket or just backs off enough that it cant lift enough to open the hatch. It's circled in green. After I took that pic I put a nut on top of the rod and a couple zip ties hold it on there. Good luck!

[Tanner]

Awesome advice guys, I'm in. Pulled back the plastic and was able to pull up the rod and get it open. Looks like the arm clamp for the threaded bar has slipped. Nut and washer will be going in this time. Thanks again.