It's funny, its like I'm not meant to work my own car for some reason(s). Every time I do so, I'll complete a task then one thing leads to another, more problems. Something else fails to work properly, and of course right after I finish that, another problems presents itself. Today was a prime example of that.
I recently posted a thread like 2 or 3 days ago about my problem w/ the rear suspension nut that was welded to the stock shock absorbers. I went to the junkyard to find a replacements for it and viola found two of them. Giddy as a school girl on her first day of class, I'd jumped for joy. Got home worked immediately on them, took about 30 or 40 mins on each, and when I was about to cross home plate. The driver side bolt that held to replacement nut, shock absorber, LCA etc.. got stripped, the stupid threads were so brittle. Once I saw that I figured my day is over, (grab a beer, watch tv) but just then, my damn trunk acts up. Odd thing was that i just open it a few seconds ago with my key, now my key won't work. To make matters worst, the trunk won't close properly, it bangs on the edge of the hinge. Dear Buddha, is there a grand master sifu that can guide me to automotive enlightenment?

I gave up on it today, can't stand to see the sight of my car for now.

Thanks for viewing and helping. Much appreciated!

 

you check to make sure that the latch on your trunk isnt closed even just a little bit. try using the lever in you car to open the latch if that doesnt work might have to pry it open and then lube it.

 

Hmm this is really odd i just went out to try closing the trunk again and somehow it worked, but the main problem still there. My key won't open it at all. it wont even turn.

 

get some graphite powder and spray it in where you put the key

gl

also your not using the valet key are you

 

Nope I'm using the key that came with the car. Thinking about cleaning the key housing but a lil worried about the plastic holding the latch. If i pull it off, i gotta remove it carefully.
I'll do some research on that graphite powder. There's gotta be away to fix this. I'll search on some other forums as well, and check back hopefully by then I can shed some light on this. Might help others in this situation.

Just noticed, its a common problem for 98+ tegs, can't find 94-97 models.

 

x2

 

The graphite is a good start.

Turn the key, all the way clockwise and then hold it there, as you slide the lever to open the hatch.
When you get the hatch open, take the large plastic panel (that covers the tailgate opener actuactor #74840-st7-a01 $58.93) off. Why, incase the hatch gets stuck again (during testing), you can crawl in from the back seat. Move the long metal bar that is connected to the actuator with a light blue, plastic clip. Move it left and right to open the hatch, from inside the car.

Once you are confident that the graphite solved the problem, put the panel back.

 

i have the same issue for my hood-it doesnt shut properly and i have to like slam it shut each time i open it. i think its because the bumper is misaligned. is there an easy fix for this?