2004 jeep grand cherokee laredo fuel tank skid plate

Pry the little rectangular cover off of each end of the grab handle. 1997 thru 2001 Cherokees have an inner hatch grab handle that requires a T30 Torx socket wrench bit to remove. Once the hatch is open you can remove the side screws, pry the rest of the snap fasteners free and completely remove of the plastic trim cover on many Cherokees. (4) Reach in and down and manually pull the latch lift bar up to release the latch and open the hatch. (3) This will allow you to pry the plastic cover open far enough use a flashlight and examine the latch mechanism. You will have to pull the plastic about 3 inches from the window before the fasteners release. (2) Along the lower edge of the rear window, using your fingers, gently pry the edge of the plastic cover away until the 4 snap fasteners pop free along the lower edge of the rear window. The 4 screws at inside top are accessible from inside the vehicle, the 2 screws on either side are not accessible when the hatch is closed. The plastic cover on the inside of the rear hatch is attached with four Phillips #2 screws along the inside top and 4 more along the sides (2 each side) and approximately 10 snap fasteners spaced around the inside. If hatch is unable to be closed remove the plastic trim with hatch raised. Method Four: If rear hatch is stuck closed, sit in the cargo area and remove the plastic trim cover on the inside of the rear hatch to access and adjust/repair the latch mechanism. Spray the handle with cold water to cool the area and the hatch will then open. Method Three: For hatches with the plastic handle this problem may occur because of extreme heat. You can now reinstall the striker to the floor and retighten the two nuts.

If you can see the nuts, use a metric socket and socket wrench to remove the nuts securing the striker plate. A tow hitch bracket or gas tank skid plate may block your access to the striker nuts. You should see the two metric 15mm nuts that secure the striker bracket to the floor of the Cherokee. You are now looking at the bottom side of the cargo floor. Look underneath the Jeep between the bumper and the gas tank. Method Two: Note this will not work on latches with the plastic lift handle. This method may help free a sticky latch mechanism. Sometimes a slap of your hand in the same location works better. Method One: Press inwards with the palm of your hand just above the handle at the same time you push in or pull up on the latch mechanism. There are several methods you can try to open a stuck rear hatch: Unable to open or close rear hatch normally. Jeep Cherokee Rear Hatch latch is stuck closed or open.

2004 jeep grand cherokee laredo fuel tank skid plate