I think it is spring loaded. Try locking and unlocking either from within the car or the button on your key.

 

Funny how the liftgate is the POS when the user f'd it up... I did this to a friends car door, can't remember how we fixed it - think we just cycled the locks as suggested.

 

Yeah, because slightly moving EXPOSED parts on a jeep, with your pinky, should break them. On the key fob or inside the cabin. Hell. If I can break it with my pinky it doesn't even belong on this Jeep.


Cycling the locks doesn't work.

:doh:

 

On mine.....there are 2 clicks when you move the little plastic catch part. If I click it shut either one or 2 clicks and then press the release in the tailgate handle it will open. IF......it is cold out, the grease may keep it from opening and you will need to hold the handle and help the latch to open. I used a key. It is 30 degrees here and mine was sluggish when I tested it to find this out for you.

Let's assume no one got mad and tried to slam the gate with the latch closed or all bets are off.

Good luck with your latch.

 

If you put a screwdriver in the locking mechanism acting like the catch pin on the vehicle. Then try to open the latch as if opening the lift gate from the outside and pull the screw driver as if the catch pin would normally come unlatch from the mechanism.

 

Well archangel689? Did you get it to work?

You can't just post a rant like that without a follow up.

 

This isn't a "Jeep" problem, it's a car problem. I've had the same problem with my company Explorer and the only solution was removing the entire back panel and disassembling the lock mechanism.

 

You probably did not push the latch in all the way so it will not open. Try pushing the latch furthur in with a flat head screw driver and see if it clicks again (as jepstr suggested).

I had a problem like this with a glove box...it would not unlatch until I completely clicked the latch in (or shut). then it opened when I turned the latch.

 

epper:I move that we outlaw pinky's. No one with Pinky's can ride in my Patriot!

 

How about someone with a "stubby antenna".

 

Why would you trip the catch with your thumb in the first place?

 

Don't go there. He gets testy about that.

 

Had a similar problem with the front passenger side door ... xept the door didn`t stay locked but UNLOCKED and wouldn`t stay shut. Boy what a pain in the a** that was. Started a thread about it, you can read it here:

http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14551

 

I'm with coryconklin on this - try closing the catch fully and cycling the locks. It's probably stuck halfway or something. I had the same problem with a door catch on one of my other cars, and I believe that was the solution

 

Unless the lock was already stuck in the close position and the tailgate was slammed close like Jepstr mentioned.
Then cycling will do nothing. Tear out and replace.

Let us know what happens Archangel