Sorry we had a pet malfucntion as I was typing. My 97 Jeep Cherokee has a latch mechanism that is stuck in the locked position and I cannot close the tail gate door. Is there anyway to access the tailgate latch mechanism without compromising the integrity of the plastic panel that covers the inside of the lift gate?

Hi, I'm Alejo Tambutto.
There are a few possible reasons why the rear lift glass on your 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee is not closing properly. Here are some steps you can take to fix the problem:

Check the glass switch: Make sure the glass switch is in the correct position and is not stuck. If it's stuck, try cleaning it with electrical contact cleaner.

Check the latch mechanism: Check the latch mechanism to make sure it is not obstructed or damaged. If there are obstructions, remove the objects and try to close the glass again. If the mechanism is damaged, it may need to be replaced.

Check Electrical Wires: Check the electrical wires that supply power to the rear window lift mechanism. If any of the wires are loose or damaged, it can cause problems closing the glass. If you find any problems with the cables, you may need to repair or replace them.

Seek Professional Help: If you are unable to identify the problem or are not comfortable doing the repairs yourself, it is best to seek the help of a professional mechanic. An experienced mechanic can diagnose the problem and offer a proper solution to repair the rear lift on your 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

It's important to address this issue as soon as possible, as a rear lift glass that won't close completely can be a safety risk to you and your passengers.

I hope it works for you, bye

Sounds like the cable or the latch is stuck. The latch may need to be oiled. When someone pulls the handle under the dash, you should be able to watch the latch move back and forth.

My 98 has this sometimes... The only thing I do is use a screwdriver & Flip the lever till it is all the way open again... As for the plastic, Mine has broken almost every screw mount hole but still really cant get to it easily...M... (EVIL ZJ)

Just a suggestion as I have seen this before--with door open pull up on outside handle and in door there is a curved latch that can be pulled open with a screwdriver---the hook is likely closed and with opening pressure on the outside handle you should be able to snap it open so the door will close properly---often happens if someone snaps it by accident closed (the hook latch).

the switch in the back door will get seized with age. When this happens the latch assembly will stay stuck halfway open and closed allowing you to close the door. when the door locks the latch will jam. and now will not be able to open until the latch is freed up and unseized again. you will have to access the latch by going through the inside and popping the panel away from the door. then using a screw driver force the latch to the fully closed position. then unlock door and open. Lubricate the old latch till it moves freely. then it should work properly for you.. good luck

ok hold the unlocking latch as if you are opening the door and use your fingure or a screw drive to bring the locking mechanism on the side of the door back to position(where the door locks to the frame of the car)

Hi! The spring on the locking mechanism may be broken. You need to replace this spring. If you cannot find a spring for the locking mechanism then you can start putting on a similar one just as long that its powerful enough to hold the trigger on the latch. You may need pliers, spring, 12 or 14 closed / open wrench. Hope this helps and have a good one!

First, make sure that the latch on the tailgate still lines up with the one on the body when you attempt to close. If nothing looks bent, the actuator might have locked and now the latch is stuck in the locked position. I'd try to put the key in and manually lock/unlock a few times to see if it can be opened. You could also try to hit it with some WD-40 or PB Blaster if you think that it has completely frozen to the lock position.

I had this happen once and was able to free the lock back to the open position and never had the problem after making sure that I kept it greased when doing the regular maintenance.

Push outside handle, simulating opening the door. At the same time, use a screw driver and pry open the jaws.

have you tried to pull on the handle on the inside of the door or push the button on the outside while trying to move the latch with a screwdirver