Stuck rear hatch

[4RunnerChaos]

Went to see about replacing my tail light today, went to pull open the hatch only to find that I can't open it... Is there a way to get at the latching mechanism from the interior or even exterior of the vehicle while the door is closed?

 

[JeepKiller]

Is your handle on the lift gate stuck towards you? All you have to do is push the handle back forward haha, mine does it every time.

 

[98OzarksRunner]

From the inside, remove the screw holding on the pull strap and start pulling on the door panel. It will pop off. You can then reach down and move the handle on the lock (at the bottom, it has a cable going to it). Chances are the lock is dirty/greasy/crusty. Once you get it unlocked, spray a bunch of WD40 in the lock and work it back and forth. It will probably be fine after that.