How do you release the rear liftgate latch on a 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. It is unlocked but pulling the handle will not release the latch that holds it closed. It is not frozen or rusted?

Answer 1

The lever that connects the handle to latch has come loose. I had this happen to me out on a job site and all my tools were in the back. Jeep has no interior latch for the liftgate so you have to jimmy the lock to open it, then reconnect the lever which has an attached side clip holding it on. I think you can get to this lever by taking the tag lights out. It's been a few years since this happened to me. Once you reconnect the lever, you can secure it by wrapping some electrical tape around the lever ends or use a tie wire. I also connected a stiff wire to the latch lever and ran it out of the rear glass molding on the inside and twisted a loop on the end. This creates a permanent lever to pull and open the rear from the inside.

A better way that doesnt damage the exterior is to simply pop off the plastic interior panel of the liftgate and just take the disconnected link in hand and firmly pull it to open the gate. At the same time you can reconnect it. From the factory there is a retainer clip that holds the link in place. It isn't uncommon for these to come off or break due to harsh use or when excessive force is applied to the handle on the exterior of the lift gate.