How do you remove the interior trim panel on a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee when the lift gate won't open?

Answer 1

Was just removing the rear interior trim paneling of our Grand Cherokee this afternoon chasing a water leak. In order to remove the rear lift gate trim panel, the gate has to be open to its fullest extent, as there are three Phillips screws which need to be removed around the interior pull down handle. Once those three screws are out, the whole entire trim panel is retained by a mixture of metal and plastic snap anchors which will pop out when you pull on the panel. The best way to pry off the panel once the Phillips screws are out so as to avoid damage, is to use a body shop pry tool which resembles a flattened "cats paw" screw driver type handle.