Rear hatch latch will not release

I can't open my rear hatch on my 97 JGC. The rear window opens and I can hear it lock/unlock when I use the key. The latch itself seems to be stuck. Any thoughts on how to "unstick" it ? Any ideas on releasing the latch from the inside ? I tried poking around the latch from the inside, but I'm not sure what I need to do to actually release the latch. Can't get to all of the screws to remove the inside panel.

I had the same problem on my '93...took a lot of time and frustration to finally get it open--I had to lock/unlock on the driver's side door panel repeatedly while someone else stood back there and tried to open it. Once I got it open, I gave the inside of the latch mechanism a good bath in WD-40...have not had a problem since. The tricky part is getting it to actually open back up so you can fix it-Good Luck!

Have somone push in on the door while you open it.

I had the smae problem on my 98 JGC Laredo Special Edition, I took the panel off of the rear hatch and the cable assembly has an eclip that slipped out of its holder. Put it back in and it worked for about a year...

lube lock mechanisim with good penetrating oil at the latch,i had the same problem