you have to do it from the inside ...pull the light out careful not to break the tabs .after you pull the light out the cover will pull out at the center enough to get your arm back behind it reach down by the latch at push the white tab toward the latch ....once thats done it should open !!!
The lift gate on a 2003 Dodge Durango can be opened from the inside if the latch is not working. There is a latch on the floor close to the door that can be tripped with the use of a screwdriver to open the gate. The cable for the gate might need to be repaired after this.
If the plastic part is broken, it can not be repaired. New latch is about $ 50.00.
It is attached to the liftgate latch assembly.
The latch is supplied by Henan North Xingguang Locking Systems Co.
Open the handle while pushing the inner workings of the latch open.
Open the liftgate window.Remove the push-pin retainer from the trim panel.Close the liftgate window.Open the liftgate.Remove the screw that retains the pullstrap to the liftgate trim panel.Remove the pullstrap from the liftgate trim panel.Use a flat-bladed tool in order to carefully release the trim panel retainers.Remove the trim panel from the liftgate.Installation ProcedureInstall the trim panel to the liftgate.Ensure that the trim panel retainers are fully seated.Install the pullstrap to the trim panel. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.Install the screw that retains the pullstrap to the trim panel. Tighten the pullstrap screw to 4 N.m (35 lb in).Close the lift gate.Open the liftgate window.Install the push-pin retainer.Close the liftgate window.Latch Replacement - LiftgateRemoval ProcedureRemove the liftgate window garnish molding.Remove the liftgate trim panel.Disconnect the outside handle rod from the bellcrank.Disconnect the bellcrank rod from the latch/lock assembly.Remove the screws that retain the bellcrank to the latch/lock.Remove the bellcrank from the latch/lock.Disconnect the electrical connector from the latch assembly.Disconnect the lock cylinder bellcrank rod (1) from the latch assembly.Remove the screws that retain the latch/lock assembly to the liftgate.Remove the latch/lock assembly from the liftgate.Installation ProcedurePosition the latch/lock assembly to the liftgate. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.Install the screws that retain the latch/lock assembly to the liftgate. Tighten the screws to 10 N.m (89 lb in).Connect the lock cylinder bellcrank rod (1) to the latch/lock assembly.Connect the electrical connector to the latch/lock assembly.Position the bellcrank to the latch/lock assembly.Install the screws that retain the bellcrank to the latch/lock assembly. Tighten the screws to 0.7 N.m (6 lb in).Connect the bellcrank rod to the latch/lock assembly.Connect the outside handle rod to the bellcrank.Install the liftgate trim panel.Install the liftgate window garnish molding.
(1) Open the liftgate. (2) Remove the trim cover and latch mounting screws. (3) disconnect the actuating rod - detach electrical connectors (if any) - then remove latch from liftgate. Installation is the reverse of removal.
The primary and secondary forkbolt switch with the detent switch.
If power door locks equipped, then unlock doors. If not, then use key in liftgate. Now feel around in the recess (with your hand facing you) above the license plate in the center of the liftgate. You should feel a rubbery surface slightly raised. Pull with fingertips and the liftgate should swing out and upwards. To close, pull the liftgate down and push closed. Most models will latch and relock automatically.
From the inside of your vehicle loosen the plastic covering the back hatch, the light will need to be removed temporarily, slide your hand in to lift up on the rod that is connected to the lock mechanism to unlock the hatch. This is a common Durango malady, which may be able to be rectified by lubricating the sliding lock mechanism. After lubrication, test operation with key and / or remote. Re-attach plastic covering. You may want to check and see if it is just stuck... My 99 gets stuck all the time. I have to bang on the back with my shoulder into where the latch is and that usually dislodges it enough to get it to open. Also if you push on the gate as you lift the lever it may help.... **Once you have opened the hatch by pulling on the latch/rod from the inside, I found it handy to loop a 1" tie-down strap about a foot long over the lift-up part of the latch/rod and then feeding it under the plastic liner, and letting it hang out inside of the vehicle. It's not in the way, and is much handier than taking everything apart to open as described in the above paragraph. ***Not recommended if you have young children, as they may be able to open the liftgate while riding in the rear seats.
I had this happen because my kid slammed a nylon belt in the latch - my fix was to go to a local junk yard and get the plastic trim from a totaled durango that matched mine (about $40) I then cut the plastic from the inside, so that I could get to the latch assembly, and pried it open with a screw driver. (the handle just did not have the umph to open it because of the jam) the same may work for you.
its built into the latch