2000 Jeep Cherokee rear tail gate locking mechanism

2000 JEEP CHEROKEE
155,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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ANDREWOSTROWSKI
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  • 1 POST
the tail gate locking mechanism will not disengage. i can turn the key to the unlock position but there is resitance. it feels like there may be corrosion and possibly a piece is loose based on the sound the lock makes when actuated by the power lock switch.

i think i will have to replace or disassemble and clean the locking mechanism.

How can i release the lock and open the gate to make this repair/replacement?
Jun 6, 2010 at 3:29 PM
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JACK FORSYTH
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  • 2 POSTS
I had this problem, I was able to take the back panel of from the inside with an offset phillips head screw driver. released the gate then adjusted the the latch and freed up the lock.
Jun 29, 2010 at 6:52 PM