96 jeep Grand Cherokee tailgate will not open

I am going to suggest check the grip jaw / that's what I call it it's the closure on door part that latches and grabs the latch bar or bracket on the other side the jaw maybe closed using a key in key hole turn key and screw driver sticking in between the jaw will open it if this is the issue

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.

Your Grand Cherokee has a small pop off panel on the inside of the rear hatch trim...after carefully removing this panel reach inside the opening and you will find a release cable...pull on this cable and the hatch latch should release...then try lubricating the latch at all contact points, and the mechanism itself...if the latch does not release the next try, then you will need to replace this latch...this is a dealer or salvage yard part...your least costly replacement will be through the salvage yard market...some salvage yards are now on-line, and will ship the part to you. Hope this helps.

yes take off the hatchback door panel and this give you access to the bar that releases the latch

replace the struts.

Review this reference documents: ZJ-Secc-8P-Power-Door-Locks (Page 4)

Good luck... and rated my help!!!

remove all the screws you can and gently pull the panel back. you should be able to see down to the latch assembly and reach the release for the latch

As you are turning the tailgate is flexing.
If you adjust the striker to get the tailgate to close tighter, it should fix your problem.

that sensor is part of the lift gate latch ...the whole assembly will need to be replaced

I had the same problem on my 94 grand cherokee! Try pushing in hard near the latch on the tailgate on the outside then pulling it open. I tried everything before stumbling on to this solution!! Lube up the latch and you should be fine.