How do you get liftgate open on a 97 Laredo with a broken lock?

first is diagnosis.
you examine and test it. to see if its electrical or mech. failure.
and once discovered that follow that to logical conclusions.

Try pressing and holding in the plastic trim piece at the bottom, right below the liftgate handle, while at the same time pulling on the handle. It should open. I had a GC that gave me the same problem opening.

PLESE DONT EVEN TRY.it aint that simple,the computer tells the engine that you have the right key but as you dont have remote locking anymore it thinks your trying to STEAL it.you NEED to replace the remote fob.(you call it keyless entry)think of it this way if it were that simple why fit an alarm system in the first place....(someone asked if you could take out a fuse to stop the alarm !!!!!.)

The VTSS (Vehicle Theft Security System) might be armed. To dissarm insert and rotate the key on the driver door lock or the passenger door lock or the liftgate door lock. You can also disarm it by pushing the button on the keyless control unit.

i just fixed the liftgate on my 1998 JGC Laredo this afternoon: door handle, when lifted, does not release latch mechanism

here is a solution that may apply to you...

1. open liftgate flipper window
2. remove door panel screws from inside
3. use coat hanger to pull up on locking mechanism arm (at the bottom) to release latch mechanism
4. with door now open, remove remaining door panel screws to completely remove door panel
5. adjust the positioning of the latch rod in its retaining clip (open clip and reposition rod)
in my case, I had took much slack and repositioned the rod by a few threads (about 1/8th inch) in the clip.
be sure rod is seated fully in the clip and that the clip is securely closed
5. test your fix before re-assembling everything

want a long, detailed version? let me know.

you need to check wiring between lf door and body..peel back rubber boot and pull on wires..you will find 1 or more broken wires..can be repaired

There is a broken wire in the rubber casing between the door and the vehicle. Take the rubber casing off and you will more than likely find a broken wire or one about to break. Been there and done that.

a slim jim is not a good ideal to be using in todays cars and trucks with airbags everywhere and wires inside doors..call a pro and if he pulls out a slim jim send him packin...there a re far better tools to use than a slim jim